In the world of healthcare facilities, waterproof and sustainable roofing is a vital necessity. These facilities, particularly those that rely on federal funding, must have redundancy and durability beyond what is required of most nonmedical facilities. In a conventional roof system, if the roof is punctured and leaks, the water tends to travel and its point of entry can be nearly impossible to locate. This situation is disastrous in a building full of patients and sensitive medical equipment. “The high stakes demand the highest standards and quality,? says Israel Berger, AIA, principal of Israel Berger & Associates, Inc. (IBA), exterior wall and roofing consultants. more...

Although airtightness of the building enclosure (envelope) is especially important in healthcare applications, many people involved with designing, building, and managing buildings are confused by this statement. The need for “buildings to breathe? may mean that “the building envelope needs to dry out? or that “people in the building need fresh air.? Both of these requirements are, of course, essential to a durable building that will last and house occupants who are content with the air quality. However, it is not commonly understood that controlling infiltration is key to achieving durable enclosures, ensuring the proper functioning of a mechanical ventilation system, maintaining infection control, and creating healthy indoor air quality. In addition, controlling infiltration can save a significant amount of energy. more...

Architecturally framed like two hands opening, a remarkable new building serves as the gate way to New Brunswick’s growing healthcare hub for children with serious medical conditions. The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey–Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (UMDNJ–RWJMS) Child Health Institute combines research and clinical care under one roof in an effort to speed the discovery and delivery of new medicine. It is focusing on creating a world-class research program in developmental biology while at the same time providing care to children with autism, cystic fibrosis, cancer, and other serious diseases. The six-story structure also links to the adjacent acute-care facility Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital’s Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Specialized Hospital. When it is completed in 2007, Children’s Specialized Hospital will become a rehabilitation center for kids. more...