Claire Dawson
Building an additional floor for a hospital is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. It involves extending the existing structure vertically, adding new levels to accommodate the growing needs of the hospital. This undertaking is often necessary when a hospital needs to expand its capacity, offer new services, or modernize its facilities. In the video game Project Hospital, players face similar challenges as they strategize and manage resources to construct new floors, wings, and rooms, all while ensuring the functionality and aesthetics of the hospital. The process of building upwards in the game mirrors the real-world complexities of healthcare infrastructure development, presenting players with a realistic simulation of the logistical and financial considerations that come with vertical expansion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of floors | Limited to 5 floors |
| Foundations | Required to secure building walls and floors; cost varies depending on the shape of the foundation |
| Floor extension | Requires extending foundations out from existing foundations on the floor below or overlaying foundations above existing foundations on the floor below |
| Elevators | Automatically add foundations to all relevant floors when built |
| Floor removal | Not possible |
| Floor tiles | Various decor options available |
| Wall decals | Available for decoration |
| Room size | Minimum size requirements for different rooms; overall size impacts hospital prestige |
| Room customisation | Walls and floors can be customised with different patterns |
| Room items | Items such as beds, toilets, and windows increase room prestige |
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What You'll Learn
Planning the ground floor layout
The ground floor layout should also promote a positive environment that enhances the patient and staff experience. This can be achieved by incorporating natural elements, such as courtyards or gardens, which improve relaxation and well-being. Additionally, the inclusion of spiritual or religious spaces can provide emotional and mental peace for patients, visitors, and staff in difficult times. The ground floor design should also accommodate the necessary digital infrastructure, including Wi-Fi connectivity and charging points, to meet the needs of modern healthcare.
Flexibility is another key consideration in the ground floor layout. The rapidly evolving nature of healthcare demands a flexible design that can accommodate future growth, renovations, or modifications. This flexibility ensures that the hospital can keep up with advancements in technology and healthcare practices. Therefore, the ground floor plan should be designed with the potential for expansion and the ability to quickly adapt to changing needs without compromising space or functionality.
Furthermore, the ground floor layout should be well-planned and organised to ensure efficient wayfinding. Proper signage, clear pathways, and well-marked routes facilitate smooth navigation for patients and visitors, helping them locate specific departments without added stress. This efficient design is particularly crucial in emergency situations, where quick access to the emergency department from the ground floor can save lives.
Overall, planning the ground floor layout of a hospital requires a thoughtful approach that balances functionality, accessibility, and a positive patient and staff experience. By incorporating these elements into the design, the ground floor can serve as a welcoming, efficient, and supportive environment for all who use it.
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Building foundations
Firstly, it is essential to assess the feasibility of adding an extra floor to the hospital building. This involves evaluating the current structural integrity and load-bearing capacity of the existing foundations and main-floor walls. Soil tests, such as drilling into the foundation to examine footings and soil compaction, are often necessary to determine if the soil can withstand the additional load.
Engineers play a vital role in calculating the weight distribution and structural support required for the new floor. They will provide insights into the necessary reinforcements, such as adding plywood and steel connections at the main-level walls, extending down into the foundation, or even installing additional footings or columns.
The next step is to decide on the method of adding the extra floor. One approach involves constructing additional foundations within the existing structure and supporting a set of internal columns on these new foundations. These columns are then brought through the existing roof, and a platform truss is supported on them. This platform truss acts as a base for a conventional construction skeleton, allowing for the addition of the desired number of floors.
Alternatively, if there is available land adjacent to the existing hospital building, you can opt for building additional foundations next to the original structure. This method involves supporting external columns on the new foundations and connecting them to internal columns within the existing structure. Similar to the previous method, a platform truss is supported on these columns, providing a base for the construction of the new floors.
It is important to note that adding an extra floor will likely impact the hospital's systems, including plumbing, heating, and cooling. These systems may need to be upgraded or modified to accommodate the increased square footage of the building. Additionally, careful planning is required to maintain first-floor traffic flow and ensure that the addition of the new floor does not cause disruptions to the existing layout.
Lastly, selecting a reputable and experienced contractor is crucial for the success of the project. Ensure that the contractor has a solid understanding of your requirements, a proven track record in similar projects, and adequate insurance coverage.
By following these guidelines and working closely with engineers and contractors, you can effectively address the building foundations required for adding a new floor to the hospital.
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Adding new floors
Firstly, it is important to plan out the entire ground floor layout before starting construction. This includes deciding on the placement of various departments, such as the emergency department, radiology unit, and ICU. Proper planning ensures that future expansion upwards or outwards can be accommodated without issues.
When adding new floors, foundations are crucial. Foundations provide support for the additional levels and need to be laid out before constructing the walls and floors of the new storey. Foundations are typically laid out at the ground floor level, and they can be extended outwards from existing foundations on the lower floors or overlaid above the foundations of the ground floor. It is worth noting that foundations can be costly, with prices varying depending on the shape and size of the required foundation.
Elevators are an important consideration when adding new floors. Elevators automatically add foundations to all relevant storeys when installed, allowing for expansion from the existing floors. However, it is unclear if there is a limit to the amount of overhanging area without supporting lower-floor foundations.
Another aspect to consider is the overall design and functionality of the new floors. The layout of rooms, corridors, and other spaces should be well-thought-out to ensure efficient use of space and easy navigation for staff and patients. The size and prestige of the rooms can also be factors to think about, as bigger and more impressive rooms can positively impact the happiness of staff and patients.
Lastly, be mindful of any limitations within the game or simulation. For example, there may be a maximum number of floors allowed, typically around five storeys. Additionally, there might be restrictions on removing or altering existing floors, so it is essential to plan carefully to avoid frustration during the building process.
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Decor options and colour palette
Colour is an important consideration when selecting a decor style and colour palette for a hospital. The right colours can create an ambiance that aids healing, reduces stress levels, and enhances patient satisfaction.
For patient rooms, gentle and relaxing colours are recommended, such as tender blue and green shades or other pastel colours. Soft blues, in particular, can evoke a sense of calm and serenity, making them ideal for spaces that aim to relax and soothe patients. Soothing blues can also be paired with muted reds for a complementary, soothing effect. Alternatively, earthy tones can create a warm and inviting atmosphere, making any room feel grounded and welcoming, which is perfect for a family-oriented environment.
For waiting areas, it is important to choose colours that will not induce stress, such as soft yellow, beige, or other light colours that will make people comfortable. Soft and earthy tones can also be effective in waiting areas, evoking a sense of comfort and elegance.
Operating theatres should feature whites and light blues to emphasise cleanliness and concentration. Staff areas, on the other hand, can benefit from light colours such as light green and blue, which can boost morale and enhance performance.
It is also important to consider the input of health practitioners, patients, and designers when choosing a colour palette to ensure that the functional and emotional needs of different hospital areas are met.
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Removing floors and starting again
When removing floors and starting again in Project Hospital, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to plan out the entire ground floor layout before building upwards and adding additional floors. This is because, currently, there is no way to completely remove a floor and start again.
If you have added an extra floor by accident, you can use the dynamite icon in the foundation tab to destroy the unwanted floor. This will remove the foundation of the floor above, but the roof of the floor below will remain. This method can be used to create an open space between two levels, but it will not work if there is a foundation on the lower floor.
Another option for removing floors is to use the bulldoze option to remove the foundations and replace the floor space with grass. This method is suggested for creating outdoor spaces on higher floors.
It's worth noting that elevators automatically add foundations to all relevant floors when built, so you can extend from them as well. However, think carefully before adding new floors as there is a limit to the number of floors you can build, and expanding hospitals can be expensive.
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Frequently asked questions
First, you need to plan out your ground floor before you start building upwards. Then, you can add foundations at the correct floor level, which will give you free new foundations at a higher level. Foundations cost roughly $100 per tile, so a 20x20 foundation will cost around $20,000.
You can try building a central "service tower" that contains departments that service others, such as admin, pathology, radiology, and medical labs. In the surrounding 'base' of the hospital, you can place your specialist departments. You can also build a large square with a courtyard in the middle and glassed-in walkways.
To create an open space, you can use the bulldoze option to remove the 'foundations' and replace the floor space with grass.
Be generous with room sizes and try to have one cafeteria per floor in a central location. Make sure every department has a smaller common room to reduce staff travel time.
