DESIGN METHODOLGY
We believe the success of our research, healthcare and academic facilities are grounded in rigorous adherence to a proven methodology that is itself centred on the particular requirements of each institution. All phases of the project revolve around the client and users, and we are confident that the Ministry of Health will appreciate our delivery methodology. All our medical projects follow the following process:
1.0 PRE-DESIGN:
1.1 Master Plan Review
1.2 Program Verification / Validation
In Pre-Design, the long-term and short-term goals form the backbone for solutions to ensure the stated program yields the spatial and functional relationships needed for a successful design.
Objectives:
• Analyze & update/modify/value add to program
• Establish the project parameters including expansion limits
• Establish base building footprint and floor plates
• Test program departmental square footage
• Establish primary building access locations and linkages between building
• Develop vertical (floor) dimension alternatives
• Establish drawings and manual formats
• Establish master zoning program (departmental)
Idea sessions are also used to capture all the core values and ideas held by the facilities’ key stakeholders. The outcome of this session is a prioritized listing of the functional, operational, aesthetic, and cultural criteria that influences the development of the campus.
1.1 Master Plan Review
The Master Planning process will address both the short and long-range aspects of the development of the facility. During the planning activities focusing on the short-term aspects, solutions will be developed that solve the immediate priorities and strategic goals of the Ministry of Health.
Issues such as the direction of growth, consolidation of entrances, future centres of excellence, outpatient care focus, etc., are immediate concerns but will rely heavily upon the long-range vision of the Ministry of Health.
The Master Planning activities that address long-range considerations are by nature more of an anticipatory planning process driven more by a strategic vision than present reality. Assumptions about future research facility utilizations, the need to organize as product lines or centres of excellence, and future market demands or shifts play important planning roles. Decisions made as to the short-range solutions also heavily influence long-range direction. The Master Plan which is developed must be flexible enough to meld the known short-range goals with the anticipated long-range goals of the institution.
1.1.1 Project Mobilization and Organization
Objectives of this task include:
• Identification of team members and roles
• Establishment of communications protocol
• Confirmation of schedules and work plans
• Confirmation of budget(s)
• Confirmation of objectives / expectations
1.1.2 Idea Session
This session serves as the catalyst for defining the goals and aspiration of the Ministry of Health. There is no attempt to discuss quantitative data, physical layout, and perceived solutions. This is a session about ideas. Everyone will be encouraged to discuss their vision. All ideas will be recorded and evaluated by the group. This group will then be asked to prioritize the ideas to assist in providing us with a benchmark from which all future decisions can be weighed.
The outcome of this session is a prioritized listing of the functional, operational, aesthetic, and cultural criteria that influences the development of the facility.
1.1.3 Data Collection
An important initial task is the review of existing and applicable information that will impact the planning of the hospitals in general and specifically the project under review:
• Ministry of Health’s strategic plan
• Site survey and geotechnical information
• Municipal zoning requirements
• Traffic patterns into and around the site
• View corridors within and into the site
• Historic and projected utilization and volumes
1.1.4 Macro Program
The macro program will define in broad terms the long-range space and program requirements. The Design Team will translate the project vision and the program into a statement that can be used to develop adjacency, sizing and massing arrangements for the various programmatic elements. It is not the intent to develop detailed physical space requirements for the individual departments but rather to understand the "order of magnitude", size, relationships, and arrangement of the various components and/or services at the facility.
1.1.5 Site Master Plan Review (Architectural and Engineering)
The results of our idea session, data collection and macro program efforts will be combined to form the parameters for the Master Plan review. Opportunities and constraints will be identified and documented. The following issues will be reviewed:
• Image and identity
• Land use / functional zoning
• Expansion potential
• Site access
• Site amenities
• Parking
• Views
• Building relationships and connections
1.2 Program Verification / Validation
This process involves the review and analysis of the preliminary program, and the testing of the program and assumptions.
1.2.1 Orientation
The first step is to define the team members or users for the various departments. The user groups should consist of representatives from senior administration, facilities management, medical staff, and nursing. The individuals chosen for these groups should be able to maintain a broad perspective of the goals of the Ministry of Health and at the same time, have a working knowledge of their individual department or clinical area. It is important that in the selection of users, consideration be given to the ability of that individual to be involved throughout the project implementation process. The continuity of users will allow the process to proceed smoothly.
In addition, the confirmation of the schedule, milestone dates, tasks and deliverables will be determined. This is important to establish at the onset of the project to allow all team members to "clear" their calendars on key dates.
1.2.2 Functional Space Program Validation
An essential element in the development of any project is the detailed space and functional program requirements. The program is derived from:
• Historic and projected utilization volumes
• Patient and family encounter expectations
• Technology interface with telemedicine, medical records, imaging, etc.
• Staff work flow and processes
• Logistics / materials management
The master-plan review phase provides the Ministry of Health with the framework for organizing the facility. The programming effort will seek to elicit responses by the individual departments related to supporting these goals. The challenge is to create an ideal work environment rather than perpetuate the "we've always done it this way" paradigm. The detailed space and functional program review will serve as the basis for establishing the scope of the project.
1.2.3 Functional Adjacency Diagrams
This task translates the quantitative program into qualitative design and planning options. The overriding aspects of patient / staff / service circulation, interdepartmental relationships, image and quality of space issues will be reviewed. Conceptual diagrams will be developed.
The objective of this phase is to challenge your way of thinking and through this process, establish a concept that is reflective of the vision. The final conceptual design will serve as the organizing framework for the detailed development of the project.
Once the program and functional adjacencies are established, room-by-room layouts can be prepared.
2.0 SCHEMATIC DESIGN:
2.1 Schematic Design Documents
2.2 Operational and Facilities Maintenance
2.3 Aesthetic and Design Issues
During the Schematic Design phase the selected master plan, function adjacency plans and overall design are refined and the scale and relationships among the components of the project is developed. The primary objective is to clearly define the design concept in terms of the project goals. This phase also presents the opportunity to test and clarify the building program and further explore the most promising design solution.
2.1 Schematic Design Documents
Focusing on the functional relationships and adjacencies of the individual spaces within the facility, functional issues such as the ones listed below will be reviewed:
• Travel distances
• Where and how the patient is greeted
• How the patient is escorted to / through the department
• Location of staff work areas, etc.
2.2 Operational and Facilities Maintenance
Areas that would be reviewed:
• Mechanical systems
• Electrical systems
• Telecommunications
• Security
2.3 Aesthetic and Design Issues
Issues to be discussed:
• Image and identity
• Building materials
• Natural light
• Use of lighting
3.0 DESIGN DEVELOPMENT:
3.1 Design Development Documents
Based on approval of Schematic Design, the Design team will further develop the design. Design development documents will be prepared consisting of drawings and other documents to fix and describe the dimensions and character of the project as to architectural systems and materials.
During this phase, the building elevations and individual rooms are developed in a fairly detailed manner. Finishes, medical equipment, casework, telecommunications and data locations and criteria are also defined. The user groups will need to be augmented to include clinicians / nurses, facilities, housekeeping, maintenance, and bio-medical engineering.
4.0 CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION:
This phase will comprise of comprehensive set of documents prepared from the approved design development documents. The quality of documentation will be to first class international standards based on Canadian practice, and to Vancouver building standard codes.
4.1 Construction Documents
• Site Plans
• Floor Plans
• Roof Plans
• Elevations
• Sections
• Electrical
• Mechanical
• Plumbing
• Fixed and Loose Furniture Layout & Details
• Landscape
• Specifications
• Door Schedules
• Window Schedules
• Finish Schedules
5.0 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION:
During construction, regular meetings, site visits, and appropriate instruction is provided to ensure the facility—and all associated systems—come together according to the construction plans.
5.1 Construction Administration
Design Team will provide periodic review of work on site. If full time supervision is required, this would be on the basis of the cost of the architectural representative on site would be added to the overall fee.