Blogs - January 2013
Sourcing non-toxic materials for healthcare is design challenge
One of the challenges designers face is finding non-chemical building materials to create healthier interiors in healthcare facilities.
1/31/2013
Sourcing non-toxic materials for healthcare is design challenge
One of the challenges designers face is finding non-chemical building materials to create healthier interiors in healthcare facilities.
1/31/2013
Smoke purge systems not required in windowless hospital operating rooms
Smoke purge systems are not required in windowless anesthetizing locations by the 2012 edition of NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities Code.
1/31/2013
Healthcare sector to lead construction growth in 2013, 2014
Healthcare is expected to be the strongest institutional sector for construction growth with a projected 4.4 percent increase in 2013.
1/30/2013
EPA issues request for information on lead paint in commercial buildings
The EPA announced on December 31, 2012 that they will begin collecting information on lead-based paint (LBP) and commercial buildings, says the Institute of Real Estate Management. The agency is exploring new regulations that would create lead abatement practices in commercial buildings similar to those that exist for residential properties, says the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM).
1/29/2013
NYC building code restricts interior finish options in healthcare
Updates to the New York City building code restrict the use of interior finishes common in healthcare settings. According to the 2008 New York City building code, materials must now meet smoke development classifications, in addition to fire resistance classifications.
1/25/2013
Hospital shares mission through patient experience design
Sharon Erdman, director of Patient Experience Design at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., shares the design methods she uses to communicate Mayo's mission and history to patients and visitors alike.
1/23/2013
New children's hospitals showcase family-centric design
The efforts of several major children's hospitals to upgrade their facilities to be more patient and family friendly highlights the ongoing trend in patient-centric healthcare design — with the end goal being the creation of an environment more conducive to healing.
1/17/2013
Debate continues over ROI of sustainable practices in healthcare
Can sustainable healthcare facility construction and operation practices save more than $5 billion over the next 5 years? And if so, why aren't more facilities adopting sustainable efforts?
1/17/2013
Illinois hospital benefits from HVAC efficiency upgrade
While upgrading to new energy efficient HVAC equipment is generally intended to save healthcare facilities money in the long term, the initial installation sometimes comes with a few challenges.
1/14/2013
AIA and NIBS launch website to aid evidence-based design efforts
Proponents of evidenced-based design in healthcare facilities just got a new tool to aid in their mission.
1/10/2013
AIA introduces energy modeling guide
In October, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) published a new guide to help architects more accurately predict future energy consumption in current building projects.
1/9/2013
AIA introduces energy modeling guide
In October, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) published a new guide to help architects more accurately predict future energy consumption in current building projects.
1/9/2013
Healthcare design teams could benefit from patient advocate on staff
Anne Marie Philbrook, principal and lead designer of Philbrook Healthcare Design, suggests design teams can provide more creative, patient friendly environments if they have "patient-experience specialist" on staff looking out for the patients' interests.
1/9/2013
Emergency departments for the elderly offer the comforts of home
The New York Times reports a growing trend toward designing hospital emergency rooms that cater to the specific needs of baby boomers and their parents.
1/9/2013
Hospital sustainability more achievable with new green strategies
According to a December 2012 article in Health Facilities Management magazine, key players involved in healthcare facilities say hospitals are in a prime position within the next five years to make sustainability part of their mission and business plan.
1/7/2013
Cancer center renovation improves patients' quality of life
Levine Cancer Institute’s new headquarters on the campus of Carolinas HealthCare System’s Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C., is designed with amenities to help enhance patients' quality of life.
1/3/2013
Cancer center renovation improves patients' quality of life
Levine Cancer Institute’s new headquarters on the campus of Carolinas HealthCare System’s Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C., is designed with amenities to help enhance patients' quality of life.
1/3/2013