Construction and Design - 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

1/3/2013

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