State of emergency: improving the efficiency of healthcare through distributed systems
Date
2012
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Abstract
Within the vital infrastructure of a modern city, the hospital represents a unique typology which is among the most complex and problematic of urban forms. The implications of hospital design necessarily encompass issues of pure functionality; patient circulation and triage. the optimization of space. and technical requirements. It must also be considered however that there is a challenging human aspect to these spaces which exists beyond the conditions of normative society. This Masters Defence Project will attempt to synthesize the multiple aspects of an urban healthcare delivery system and make an argument for significant interventions which a,m to improve the efficiency of this system.
The project explores both small scale architectural interventions. and the large urban scale context as intrinsically linked elements both conceptually and pragmatically. The design gestures are to be situated within a framework of contemporary thought on matters of space, logistics. technology. and control from several noted philosophers of the 20th century. This theoretical background serves to define scenarios and present analogies to the current state of medical care as conceptual models and evaluative tools.
Architectural interventions incorporate the latest ,n medical technologies and essentially function as kinetic machines for the purposes of diagnostic imaging. primary and tertiary medical care. and patient stabilization. Beyond this. the architecture is to inhabit the urban fabric and provide a level of accessibility which represents ,ts role as a public amenity, albeit a highly complex and cnt,cal one. In this regard. there ,s a necessary consideration for the psychology of aesthetics and internal environments which are conducive to healing and consider evidence based design practices as well as evidence based medical practices· and exploring the territory in which the two fields overlap.
As our cities increase in both size and complexity. there is an imminent need for a healthcare solution which is socially sustainable and explores alternative strategies beyond merely injecting money and manpower at the problems of a struggling system.
Description
Bibliography: p. 97-100
Thesis is in colour.
Missing signature page.
Thesis is in colour.
Missing signature page.
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Citation
McGie, M. (2012). State of emergency: improving the efficiency of healthcare through distributed systems (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/4850