There can however be potential problems with control of public movement through the building. Walking distances can be long, and way finding can be confusing, particularly on exiting a room when visitors will be less orientated. Direction through the building will be heavily reliant on sub receptions and appropriate staffing. It is very difficult to securely shut down any particular provider’s area due to the need to walk through it. The model makes it difficult to share space and facilities between providers, and reliance on double loaded corridors generates a form that is not hugely flexible. It is also difficult to extend. Almost all rooms can have good natural daylight levels with an open outlook from the windows. The majority of the ground floor rooms have the opportunity to connect directly to the outdoors. The model requires a flat site to be built without additional economic costs and design considerations, and a large land take up. Summary – Courtyard Model This layout can combine high levels of flexibility and dynamic shared space, with clear wayfinding and interaction onto a compact and efficient site. To do this it does require increased mechanical ventilation and considered design to avoid excessive use of internalised rooms and privacy issues. Whilst the feel and function of the building depends upon the quality of the atrium area, it minimises the use of corridors and is a real opportunity to create a vibrant, functioning community space. www.healthierplaces.org
Second Floor Plan First Floor Plan Ground Floor Plan
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