The design team aimed to create a space-efficient en-suite WC and shower room that would meet the needs of the majority of patients, including independent wheelchair users and people requiring assistance from staff.
Design development video clip
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 Play the video clip [4:40min] |
Mungo Smith, Architect, outlines the design development process as part of defining the new space requirements for HBN 4. He talks about creating an en-suite bathroom that temporarily borrows space from the bedroom when assisted access is required for patients. He discusses the detail design implications and how testing and feedback has lead to the continued optimisation of the design.
Key stages of the design development process
- Nursing workshop: to identify the main needs of different patient groups and to resolve conflicting requirements.
- Computer modelling: ergonomic data was used to determine the most efficient layout. The main aim was to ensure that manoeuvring spaces for the WC, wash basin and shower did not conflict with each other.
- Design refinement: to modify the design using information gathered at the workshop, and to select two layouts for further testing.
- Testing: the construction of a full-size and fully equipped mock-up en-suite (two layouts) for testing by a range of users.
- Further refinement: modifying the design using the results of the ergonomic trials as well as comments received during two open days.
En-suite design configuration
Proposed en-suite configuration with new space-saving doors
The creation of a space-efficient en-suite WC and shower room
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Design development 
sue.taylor@dh.gsi.gov.uk