What about tomorrow: design for the unknown future in healthcare architecture
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Program
Architecture and urban design (MPARC), MSc
Publicerad
2021
Författare
Louise, Sivertsson
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
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 If the building is out of date when it is finished,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.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
Future proof, flexibility, generality, healthcare architecture