Architecture of Maternity in Malawi Health Facilities
Enya Barquia
Concept Sketches
TYPOLOGY
For this district hospital scheme, the straight typology was preferred rather than an L or U shape scheme. This is because typical maternity blocks in district hospitals are laid out this way. By applying this typology, we are able to compare how a revised linear typology compares to the typical linear typology commonly found. The bubble diagram below shows the three different delivery paths through the program spaces left to right. The linear typology is beneficial because paths of patients do not cross and everything happens one way.
INTENTIONS
The intention for the linear typology is to replicate the process of delivery from a step by step process into a step by step programmatic set up. This considers key adjacencies for the main wards and allows three circulation paths: one for visitors and family, one for staff, and one for patients. This linear typology differs from the typical maternity typology because where there is one main circulation path in the typical ward, this revised ward has multiple circulation paths and limits the use of double loaded corridors.
Design Concept
TYPICAL MATERNITY BLOCK
Typical maternity blocks have a central double loaded corridors with support spaces at the end. This is problematic for wards because only one side gets views out and corridors become poorly ventilated and very dark.
DESIGN STEP 1: ADJACENCY TO MWH AND SURGERY
First step in re-designing the typical maternity block is by ensuring that it is accessible from Maternity Waiting Homes and the Surgery Theater. By placing them strategically, we are able to decrease walking distances for staff and patients.
DESIGN STEP 2: OUTDOOR CIRCULATION
This small separation in the maternity block that isn’t central compared to the typical ward will separate support spaces from wards. By doing so we separate server and served.
DESIGN STEP 3: DIVIDING BLOCKS
The maternity block is divided into 5 sections, each with different program use. Support spaces are also divided into 2 sections in order to create better access to Surgery and open space for staff accommodations.
DESIGN STEP 4: SHIFTING BLOCKS AND COURTYARDS
Each block in maternity gets shifted up or down in order to create openings for outdoor courtyard spaces. Each block is also separated in between in order to be accessed by staff.
Prenatal, Delivery, and Postnatal
The prenatal ward offers a level of privacy, outdoors views for all patients, and an accessible wash station. Similarly, delivery has taller numbered walls for increased privacy, and postnatal ward has bays that separate normal delivery patients from c-section patients.
Ventilation and Day lighting
VENTILATION
Due to the angled roof, and the open courtyard and walkway on both sides, air is able to come across the building allowing for cross ventilation. Cool air comes into the building and keeps patients comfortable. The ceiling fan helps cool the air. As heat rises, it escapes through the vents and the operable skylights. Compared to typical wards with no vents and no angled roofs, air that comes into wards are poorly ventilated and decreases comfort levels for patients, especially during high stress.
LIGHTING
Each ward is given an ample amount of windows, all operable in order to allow cool air in views out. At the same time, plenty of light can filter into the space in order to prevent dark spaces for patients to be in. When wards are dark, they become very unpleasant spaces for patients. By allowing windows on almost all sides of the building, we ensure that during the day, there is plenty of light to fill the space. The white painted walls also play a role in making the space feel brighter and cleaner to improve patient and staff satisfaction.
Quality of Care, Infection Control, and Staff Efficiency Evaluation
Due to the angled roof, and the open courtyard and walkway on both sides, air is able to come across the building allowing for cross ventilation. Cool airways that this design practices quality of care is through the use of private delivery rooms, semi-private walls, quick access to Surgery, and access to outdoor space. In regards to infection control, this design has hand washing stations, accessible showers both in pre and postnatal, and greater than 1m bed spacing. Staff efficiency is highlighted in this design through the use of separate outdoor circulation space, access to a break room, as well as designed nurse stations.
Renderings
