What about tomorrow: design for the unknown future in healthcare architecture

Abstract

We have for a long time researched on history but at the same time we are striving towards an unknown future. To be able to become more sustainable we need to plan for the future in the new environment we build. If the building is out of date when it is finished, you have wasted both time and resources. How can you design hospital buildings for changing needs over time and an unknown future? Hallands sjukhus Varberg is in the near future in need of extensive renovations of several outpatient clinics and wards. They are therefore in need of an evacuation building in the form of an extension for two outpatient clinics/wards at a time. This to be able to continue providing care during the renovations. (C. Olsson, personal communication, October 29, 2020) This master thesis investigates how you can create a building suitable for outpatients’ clinics and wards but is also considering the future. The physical changes should be as easy as possible and provide a good hospital environment for both patients and staff. The building itself should not be a temporary structure because the intention is to use it for other hospital services after the renovations. The temporality in the building is the activity that takes place within the building structure. Through case studies, interviews and literature research this thesis has result in an overview of future proofing approaches in healthcare architecture that is showcased in a design proposal for an extension at Hallands sjukhus Varberg. The design proposal consists of different future proofing approaches, generality, flexibility, redundancy and elasticity. The proposal presents different possibilities of how the building could be used for outpatient clinics, wards and is also showcase some future scenarios. As a main material in the construction and visible surfaces wood is suggested. This because of its benefits for both human’s wellbeing, the earth and its flexibility capacity. We do not know what to come. To future proof is therefore of importance to make the building possible to use in another purpose.