Hospitals -- How Are They. (Building Types Study 505) -- Hennepin County Medical Center; Penobscot Bay Medical Center; St. Vincent Medical Center: Fid-Bau Portal

Hospitals -- How Are They. (Building Types Study 505) -- Hennepin County Medical Center; Penobscot Bay Medical Center; St. Vincent Medical Center

Abstract

Architectural aspects of three innovative hospitals are described. The Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minn., a 500-bed facility, contains a large amount of both institutional and structural innovation. Hennepin covers an area one block by two blocks and spans two intervening streets. The facility is composed of a conglomerate of units which are 75-feet-square spans of flexible space contained by four corner tower structures where stairs, wiring, and mechanicals are located. An automated food and supplies delivery system has been installed. The Penobscot Bay Medical Center, a completely new acute-care hospital, in Rockport, Maine, exudes vitality as a result of having been built to blend with its surroundings. Double height corridors lined with inviting railings and windows encourage a closeness to the outside world. Nursing, diagnostic and treatment facilities, support services, and administrative areas are all zoned horizontally, side by side, with plenty of expansion room adjacent to each function. St. Vincent Medical Center in Los Angeles, Calif., is a 512-bed facility which was designed with emphasis on creating a congenial, cheerful image. The nursing stations are arranged to bring the cared-for and the caring physically close to each other, and L-shaped wings are used to avoid the monotony of long corridors. The provision of well-lit public space, lobbies, and waiting rooms and of plenty of landscaped spots for relaxed enjoyment all contribute to an overall mood of healthfulness and cheerfulness. Photographs and floor plans are included.