Design module for disaster management healthcare units

Globally, we are always under the unpredictable threat of natural calamities and acts of God that become the cause of a lot of suffering. Some are uncontrollable natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, etc, or epidemics due to viruses and spread of diseases, the kind we have been facing in recent times. Currently, we are facing an unprecedented pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus (Covid-19). The world is in crisis as millions have been infected, our country being hit worst than last year. We have experienced a major setback due to loss of human life and economic chaos caused by this pandemic. The healthcare department seems to be struggling to accommodate patients. Currently, buildings which are not equipped for healthcare and sanitation, are being converted to full capacity hospitals. But is it justified to compromise on healthcare at the cost of inadequate infrastructure? To address this issue, KNS Architects has proposed a format for the healthcare system created entirely out of shipping containers. In recent times, shipping containers have been an interesting medium which has been explored by architects world over to create portable facilities. The advantage being that they already exist, are economic, easy to transport, and quick to transform into something which can be habitable. We have implied certain important medical and construction regulations to create what can be a fully operational medical facility in a span of less than two weeks. The intent of this initiative is to provide an architectural solution which will help the healthcare professionals to do what they are required to do, by making sure the most optimum facilities with respect to infra are made available to them and in the shortest response time. Design Summary ·         Modular design allowing flexibility ·         Quick to build and economic ·         Easy to install ·         Transportation of shipping containers is already available, hence portable ·         Making the most of renewable solar energy by using solar panels on roof for power generation as well as water heating as roof surface area available is minimum 15,000 sq ft ·         During times of emergencies/crisis/disasters, these ready modules can be combined together in no time to have a fully operational medical facility with all the necessary equipment and infra pre-build/pre-installed ·         Can be erected/installed on any terrain and climate ·         All necessary electrical, plumbing and HVAC provisions and fitouts incorporated within the module. Onsite only tapping of services required. ·         All designs, materials and finishes to be as per healthcare and government norms ·         Seamless movement of patient, healthcare staff and services within the structure ·         Design flexibility also allows to create private wards and private rooms which can be used for high-profile patients who could help in raising funds during times of emergencies, making the design one which can cater to every strata of society. Other details ·         Container size: 40’0”(l) x 8’0”(w) ·         Modular, easy to build, transport and install on site ·         Flexibility in design due to modular concept ·         Sustainable design by use to renewable energy like solar ·         Can be installed on any terrain or climate ·         Applicable in any emergency/crisis ·         Private patient and grateful patient wards can cater to ‘high-profile’ as well as ‘special requirements’ patients ·         ‘Grateful patient’ wards shall act like a fund-raising wards where patients can make donations towards healthcare for the underprivileged ·         All necessary facilities for exclusivity of these units shall be provided ·         Expansion of the facility can happen along the x-axis by adding patient ward modules ·         Expansion of the facility can happen along the y-axis by adding patient ward modules Design intent Over time, the world has seen many appalling events where the very existence of humankind was challenged, and survival became far-fetched. But we, as humans, are known to always emerge out of crisis and move on. At such times, the ray of hope comes from healthcare professionals who put themselves out there to make sure we are safe. At times of large-scale crisis, the already available medical infrastructure takes too much load and sometimes even fails to cater to the needs. The current pandemic has forced us to convert stadiums, hotels and many such existing structures into make-shift hospitals to sustain the rapid growth in number of patients. The disaster management healthcare units can also be converted into dignified shelters for this purpose and can house almost thrice the number as an accommodation unit as compared to when it is a healthcare unit. “We cannot stop natural disasters, but we can arm ourselves with knowledge: so many lives wouldn’t have to be lost if there was enough disaster preparedness.” - Petra Nemcova About the author: Kanhai Gandhi is Partner and Co-founder at KNS Architects. He is currently handling a gamut of prestigious clients across India and has worked on a variety of projects ranging from commercial, residential, recreational and hospitality to retail. The diversity of projects has honed his wide range of skills from optimum utilisation of space to implementation of design, bearing in mind the interest and needs of the client. His philosophy is to remain focused on good design practice from inception to completion in all aspects such as design development, detailing and on-site execution.