DESIGN OF NEW QUARANTINE HOSPITAL FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASES (IDH) IN KOTIKAWATTA, MULLERIYAWA, SRI LANKA.

Abstract

This project focuses on designing a specialized hospital specifically to address the insufficient hospital capacity and facilities for treating infectious diseases, particularly in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The objective is to provide specialized infrastructure that enhances the safety of medical staff, maximizes the rate of patient recovery, and prepares the healthcare sector for future pandemics. Through a comprehensive feasibility study, three alternative designs were evaluated based on social and health feasibility, technical feasibility, financial feasibility, and environmental feasibility. The "H-shaped G+2 building" was identified as the most viable option across all parameters, with the lowest initial cost, best environmental impact, and least healthcare waste generation. This design was further optimized using structural and environmental considerations, ensuring compliance with local regulations and sustainable practices. The project is designed to minimize the spread of infectious diseases by incorporating carefully planned contaminated and decontaminated zones. Additionally, the project is eco-friendly, incorporating green building practices that align with the GREENSL Rating System, contributing to environmental protection while fulfilling economic and social objectives.

Objectives

1. Design a Specialized Hospital: To create a hospital specifically focused on treating infectious diseases, addressing the current gaps in healthcare capacity, especially highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Maximize Healthcare Efficiency: To design a hospital that enhances the safety and working conditions of medical staff, while also maximizing patient recovery rates.
3. Prepare for Future Pandemics: To ensure the health sector is equipped for unforeseen future pandemic situations through specialized infrastructure.
4. Evaluate Feasibility: To evaluate three design alternatives based on social and health feasibility, technical feasibility, financial feasibility, and environmental feasibility, and identify the most effective design.
5. Implement Sustainable Practices: To incorporate green building concepts, ensuring environmental sustainability, and achieving a high rating for environmental performance.
6. Adopt Advanced Software Tools: To use STAAD.Pro V8i SS6 Software for structural design, ensuring accurate, optimized, and cost-effective solutions for the hospital's construction.
7. Prepare for Future Risks: To consider future risks, such as potential earthquake hazards, and recommend appropriate seismic standards for the hospital’s design.

Significance

The design of a specialized infectious disease hospital is crucial in overcoming current challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. By creating a safe working environment for medical staff and increasing patient healing rates, this project not only addresses immediate healthcare needs but also prepares the nation’s health sector for future pandemics. The hospital's design, considering social, technical, financial, and environmental factors, ensures a sustainable and cost-effective solution that aligns with long-term public health goals.

Conclusion

Through a comprehensive evaluation of three alternative hospital designs, the "H-shaped G+2 building" emerged as the most socially, technically, financially, and environmentally feasible option. This design not only minimizes healthcare waste and offers the lowest initial cost but also adheres to sustainable practices, contributing to a green hospital design. Structural analysis and design were conducted using advanced software tools, ensuring optimal efficiency. Environmental and traffic impact assessments were also performed, confirming the design's feasibility. The project is a model for the construction of eco-friendly, pandemic-ready hospitals, offering a blueprint for future healthcare infrastructure development.