MULTIPURPOSE BUILDING FOR EDUCATIONAL

AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

CASE STUDY IN ISRAEL

Dr. ELYAHU KENT

ESTHER RESHEF
BETTY POLlTl

May, 1995
 1. FORMULATION OF A MODEL FOR THE
MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDING
The Model of the complex is made up of two principal components:

l A PROGRAMMATIC COMPONENT, which contains a group of programmes for a

variety of educational and community services. Selection and determination of a maximum
uniform size for such programmes, as well as working them up in a process of controlled
flexibilisa tion which gives them a measure of modularity, ability to alternate and integrate
between functions. A certain degree of uniformity has been created among the various
programmes, making it possible to recognize shared likenesses.

l A PHYSICAL COMPONENT, which includes the physical characterisation of the

infrastructures of the buildings designated to serve educational needs and those of the
community. These structures can be planned for a variety of construction methods.

The interrelationship in the formulation processes of these two components, together with
the use of modular planning, made it possible to present examples of different programmes,
having the feature of permitting alternation -- with investment of minimal resources, a
structure can be converted for any other function within the group of services chosen. By
this method, when the plans are properly superimposed one on the other, it is possible to
discern the lines of similarity in the direction of their common vertical axis, which
constitutes the planning’s third dimension. Thus, an optimal “reflection” of the various
programmes becomes possible on one physical infrastructure. This infrastructure constitutes
a common denominator for the basic physical requirements of each one of the programmes.

For example, it is possible to see how a kindergarten or a children’s day-care centre and
such-like, could, in the future, serve as a day-care centre for the elderly, as an extension of
a community centre or a social-services department. The modularity of the plans also
permits construction of the buildings, or their future expansion to be carried out in stages,
all with a minimum investment of resources. Further clarification of the modular concept of
the complex becomes possible through study of its formulation process, as presented
hereunder:

FORMULATION OF OBJECTIVES

l Identifying a wide variety of potential community services requiring a relatively small

building for its purposes, considering the nature and/or scope of the services offered.
l Controlled and sensible flexibilisation of the usual programmes for building the services in
such a way as to permit alternating between them and their additions, and on condition that
such flexibilisation does not lead to significant deviation from the accepted programmes:
total amount of area required in a programme, the area required for each function and the
connections between the functions.

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 A total area of 300-320 sq.m. was found to be optimal.
l formulation of a general physical model of a structure having a total area which suits the
common denominator of as many services as possible.
l The physical infrastructure of the building is functionally suitable for the programmes of the
various services.
l It is relatively easy to convert from one purpose to another, (especially by changing the
internal partitioning).
l It is possible to house a number of services within a building, all working at the same time,
each in its own allotted section, without disturbing one another.
l The building can be constructed using a variety of methods, both conventional and high
speed.

LOCATING THE POTENTIAL SERVICES

o A general list was compiled of educational and community services likely to be needed in
new residential sites, the initial point of departure being large residential sites (1,000 or
more dwelling unit). In preparing the list, care was taken to include a variety of services:
l Services for which the building could most likely be a permanent solution, and services
which could find in the building a solution of any kind -- partial, temporary or even
permanent.
l Services which are likely to be required immediately on the new residential site and
services which are likely to be required there in the future (to examine the possibili ties
of converting).
l Services which could interact functionally and services separate from one another (to
examine the possibilities of combining).
The list also included all the basic commercial services, the assump tion being that in
certain residential sites, some sort of solution - even a temporary one - might be
required, for these services as well.

o Preliminary classification of the services appearing in the list, excluding those in which the
minimum area of the building requiring them is especially large and deviates significantly
from most of the others in the list. Those services remaining therein had primary potential
for being included in the model.

ANALYSIS OF THE PROGRAMMES OF THE ALTERNATIVE SERVICES

For each of the alternative services, an acceptable programme was found for their construction.
The programmes were analysed in order to identify:
l A common denominator among them - as to the total area required for constructing them,
the functions required in each, the links between functions and the possibilities of
combining a number of services in a single building, either as a temporary solution or a
permanent one.

i 3
l The possibility of making the programmes flexible from those aspects, increasing their
common denominator to within limits where there would be no significant deviation from
the original programme or impairment of the function of the service.

Services passing these tests were included in the model’s framework.

ADAPTATION OF CONSTRUCTION METHODS

Parallel to analysing the programmes, the suitability of the various construction methods - both
conventional and rapid - was also examined, with two objectives in mind:

l Characterisation of the basic physical infrastructure of the intended building, to meet the
various requirements of these construction methods.
l Examination of the direct implications which the various methods of construction could
have for the basic physical infrastructure of the designated building.

PREPARATION OF A PRELIMINARY PHYSICAL MODEL

On the basis of the programme of services included in the framework of the model after stage
three and examination of the suitability of the construction methods in stage four, a process
began, of formulating the preliminary model of the designated building.

This process examined two key issues:

l What is the physical system held in common, and what are the basic components which
could best suit all the programmes and possible combinations among them, and yet having
consideration for the needs of the various construction methods?
Relating to the the various stages of each project and to the various projects utilising the
same physical infrastructure is like looking at a number of transparencies laid one on top of
the other, so that maximum matching exists between them. Discovering the common
denominator among the required plans - as a proposed planning scheme - led to greater
correspondence between programme requirements and accordingly to greater flexibility in
the planning.
l What is the measure of flexibility required in each of the programmes in order for each to
converge into a physical system common to the other programmes?

FLEXIBILISAITON OF THE PROGRAMMES AND THE PHYSICAL MODEL

Examination was made of a representative sampling of programmes included in the model - to

what extent does the degree of flexibility meet each one’s requirements according to the
preliminary model, within the limits of the flexibilisation found in the preparatory analysis?

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l In situations where the requirements of the preliminary model were found to be within those
limits, flexibilisation was carried out.
l In situations where the requirements were found to exceed the limits, examination of the
model was repeated, the objective being to find a reasonable solution to the needs of the
programme through flexibilisation of the physical model.
l Cases where deviations from the accepted programme were too great, or for which no
suitable physical solution could be found within the framework of the model, were not
included in the framework.

FINAL FORMULATION OF THE MODEL FOR THE COMPLEX

The final formulation included:

l A list of specifications of flexible programmes and the possible combinations among them,
which were examined and found suitable for the multi-purpose building.
l Physical characterisation of the multi-purpose building and the units comprising it.

Hereunder is the flow-chart illustrating the formulation process for the complex model:

A. FORMULATEOBJECTIVES
f 1

B. IDENTWYTHEPOTETIALSERVICES
I

\
I
f
D. ADAPTCONSTRUCTlONMETHODS C.ANALYSEPROGRAMME SERVICES
I EXCLUDED
I FROMTHE
MODEL
I
I
-----
I
I
i I E. PREPAREPRELIMINARYPHYSICALMODEL) I

--T-+ I
--
\ \ I
I I
FL PROGRAMM'SADAPTATION

G. FORML'LATIONOFTHEFINAL
MODELOFTHECOMPLEX

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2. PROGRAMMATIC CHARACTERISATION OF THE BUILDING

A. SERVICES INCLUDED IN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE MODEL

From a list of potential services, we examined those within the model’s frame of reference and
found that they passed three main tests:
0 They require a relatively small area;
o They have a programmatic common denominator with other services;
o Their programmes can be flexibilised within reasonable limits.

These services are:

o A day-creche for ages O-3 years.
o Kindergartens - both pre-school and compulsory.
o Young children’s wing in a primary school.
o Community club, youth club or branch of a community centre.
o Family-health station.
0 Small clinic.
o Day centre for the elderly.
o Social services department/bureau.
o Basic postal services.
o Central laundry services (could be required in temporary residen tial sites).
o Mini-market.
o Reception of public for various matters (National Insurance, immigrant absorption,
employment etc.).

It is important to note that this list does not cover the complete range of services which could be
included in the model. It is most likely that, after suitable examination, more services could be
added, which pass the required tests. We felt that this list was sufficiently large and varied to
permit crystallization of the model’s concept.
Additional services, likely to suit the framework of the model, can be found in the original list.

B. PROGRAMMES SUITABLE TO THE FRAMEWORK OF THE MODEL

Eleven programmes were prepared for the complex. Some of them are meant to utilise the
building fully for a single service, and some combine a number of services in one structure.

Most of the programmes are based upon publications (some of them official) dealing with
guidelines for the planning of services (the sources are indicated in the notes of each
programme).

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The programmes are presented here in processed form and suitable to the model. As a rule, one
can say that suitability to the model finds expression in three main subjects:

o Flexibilisation, within reasonable (in our opinion) limits (compared to the original
programme), of the area required for each function and adapting it to the possibility of
modular planning in various modules.

o Providing an opportunity of combining a number of services in one building, on condition

that functional disturbances from any quarter are to be prevented (the solution to this
problem could be found in the physical component of the model).
In the (few) cases where the programme arranged by us deviates from the original one in
noteworthy subjects, we shall be sure to point this out.

All the programmes total up to a net area of 300-320 sq.m. This area was
found to serve as a common denominator for a variety of programmes
accepted for .constrbction of service structures having smaller areas. The
functional areas of each programme are suited to the alternative
requirements among them .tid to the possibilities of modular planning of
the structure.

It should be noted that on the basis of the principles of the model, additional programmes
can be prepared for the structure, combining the various services in different ways or adding
others.

Notes:

1. The reader’s attention is drawn to the sources used in preparation of the programme. Any
attempt to apply the model requires careful study of them.

2. Some of the programmes upon which we based ourselves, are, in these days, undergoing
review and updating as part of the Institute’s routine activities. One should therefore take
into account a possibility that the updated programmes might require further modifications
and amendments to suit the frameworks of the models.

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A. Day-Care Centre (3 classrooms)

Function Net Area No. of Spaces Total Net Notes

sq.m Needed Area-sq.m.

Classrooms 60 3 180
Storerooms 1 10-12 1 3 1 30-36 1 stosto;rhedtoeach

Kitchen, Larder, 1 25-30 1 1 I 25-30 I In commonPublic Area

Laundry

Head’sroom + 15-18 1 15-18 In commonPublic Area

Individual Activity

Lobby 20-30 1 20-30 CommonPublic Area

Total Net Area 300-320 1

I I I

Additional Requirements:
o An activities yard of about 200 sq.m., adjacent to each classroom, with possibility of direct
exit to it from the classroom.

o A kitchen-yard adjacent to the kitchen, with possibility of direct exit to it from the kitchen,
and with easy accessibility for unloading goods and produce.

Sources:
n Ministry of Labour and Welfare, Programme and Guidelines for Planning of Day-Care
Centres for Toddlers (Feb., 1990).

Principal Deviations from the Original Programme

The classroom areas in the original programme: 70 sq.m. (a babies’ room: 65 sq.m. + covered
porch).
Total net area in the original programme: 332 sq.m.
 A. Schematic Representation of Linkage Between the function

n Yard

Possiblecommection
betweenthe two classroom
3
Yard

I9
 B . Kindergarten (3 Classrooms)

I I I
Function Net Area No. of Spaces Total Net Notes
sq.m I Needed Area-sq.m. I
Classrooms 60 3 I 180 I
Storerooms lo-12 3 30-36 storesattachedto each
classroom
Toilets lo-12 3 30-36 Toilets adjacentto each
classroom
Kitchenette* 5-6 3 15-18 Adjacentto each
classroom
Teacher’sroom* 5-6 3 15-18 Adjacentto each
classroom
Treatment
classroom
10-18
I I lo-18

Lobbies 10-12
I 1
I 30-36
I Separateentrance&
lobbv for eachclassroom

Total Net Area 1 310-320 (

Additional Requirements:
o A 200 sq.m. activity yard, adjacent to each classroom, directly accessible from the
classroom.
o It is desirable to locate the toilets near the exit to the yard.

Sources:
n Ministry of Education and Culture, Director General’s Circular Letter, Special Circular A
(5748) Programmes for Planning of Kindergartens and Primary Schools, September, 1987.

Main Deviations from the Original Programme:

* A special education class is not included at this time in the programme of the Ministry of
Education and Culture, but there are those who insist that this function is an essential part of
the job of a Kindergarten.
* It is possible not to put the store rooms adjacent to the classrooms, despite the call. for this in
the original programme.
* The total net area in the original programme is 285 sq.m.

I 10

-_.-
Note:

In view of the current trend toward cooperation between classes in Pre-school Education, it is
possible to concentrate the ares designated as the teacher’s corner into a common staff-room
and the storage areas into one common area. These possibilities make the programme much
more flexible.

B. Schematic Representation of Linkage Between the function

/ 3 Yard

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C. Child’s care center and kindergarten classroom

I I I
Function
I Net Area
sq.m I
No. of Spaces
Needed
Total Net
Area-sq.m. I
Notes

Classrooms 60 3 180 The classroomsare

connected

Storerooms lo-12 3 30-32 storesattachedto each

Toilets lo-12 3 30-36 Toilets adjacentto each

classrcx3m

Kitchenette 5-6 2 lo-12 Adjacentto the

kindergartenarea

Teachers room 5-6 2 lo-12 Adjacentto the

kindergartenarea

Teacher’sassistant lo-12 1 lo-12

Kitchenette&
Laundry
1 lo-12 ( 1 1@12
I At the child’s care unit

Lobby 30-36 Each classrooma

Total Net Area

l-=-F 310-320
I
separatedentrance

Additional Requirements:
o A 200 sq.m. activity yard, adjacent to, and directly accessible from each classroom.
o It is desirable to locate the toilets near the exit to the yard.
o The day-care center requires a kithen-yard adjacent to the kitchen, with convenient accessfor
unloading goods.

Sources:
n See Programmes A and B.

Note:
In view of the current trend toward cooperation between classes in R-e-school Education, it is
possible to concentrate the ares designated as the teacher’s comer into a common staff-room
and the storage areas into one common area. These possibilities make the programme much
more flexible.
 C. Schematic Representation of Linkage Between the function

Day - care class

Kmdergarten class
.

/ [ Classroom
1 ,. ..

L
Exitto
theYard
t
Yard Kindergarten class
)

III
13
D. Building Designated as a Kindergarten Class + Small Children’s Division
(Pair of Kindergartens + 1st Grade) or Small Children’s Division
(Kindergarten + 1st and 2nd Grades) and Small Family- Health Station.

Function Net Area No. of Spaces Total Net Notes

sq.m Needed Area-sq.m.

Junior school 120 1 120

Teacher’sroom lo-12 1 10-12
Toilets l&12 2 20-24
Storage lo-12 1 lo-12
Kitchenette* 5-6 1 5-6
Lobby lo-24 1 20-24

Kindergarten 100-110
Classroom 60 1 60
Teacher’sroom* 5-6 1 5-6
Toilets lo-12 1 lo-12
Storage lo-12 1 lo-12
Kitchenette* 5-6 1 5-6
Lobby lo-12 1 lo-12

Family Health
Station 30-36 Includeslab & storage
Nurse’sDoctor 20-24 1 20-24 aIra
room
Waiting mom 5-6 1 5-6
Toilets 5-6 1 5-6

Total Net Area 315-320

* Can be combined with the clasroom

014
Additional Requirements:
o It is essential that it be possible to completely separate the three main functions, including
the entrances. But it is also desirable to prepare for the possibility of linking them.
o The Small Children’s Division and the Kindergarten require (separate) play yards, with the
possibility of direct exit to them from the classroom. It is desirable to locate the toilets near
the exit to the yard.

Sources:
n Ministry of Education and Culture, Director General’s Special Circular A (5748):
Programmes for Planning of Kindergartens and Primary Schools, September, 1987.
n The Institute for Development of Educational and Welfare Facili ties, Small Children’s
Division, September, 1986.
n The Technion, Centre for Urban and Regional Study, Land Alloca tions for Planning, part
3: Health Services.

17
15
 D. Schematic Representation of Linkage Between the function

Family Healfh Station

Lh “! Junior School

( Kitchen)‘ /.

.: “‘.., .

Kindergarten ‘,.

0 Yard

III
16
E. Building Designated as Minimarket, Meeting-hall (Clubroom), and for other
Community Functions.

Function Net Area Notes

sq.m

Mini market 140 Separateentrance

Meeting hall 80-85

Multi-purpose hall 70-75 Including cafeteria

Storage 10-12 Adjacent to hall

Others communit
functions

Social worker 10-12

Post Office 15-18

Laundry club 20-24

Public toilets 10-12

Lobby and
Passageways 25-30

Total Net Area 300-320

Additional Requirements:
o The Meeting hall needs a yard with direct accessfrom the hall.
Sport installations can also be planned for in the yard.
o The Minimarket needs parking spacesand vehicular accessto stores
o With regard to the remaining services, common or separate entrances can be planned for.
o Avoid functional interference, mainly between the minimarket and meeting hall.

III
17
 E. Schematic Representation of Linkage Between the function

............. ............

................

Mini-Market

El
18
F . Minimarket, Meeting-Hall (clubroom), Family-Health Station, Basic Clinic
and Other Community Functions.

Function Net Area Notes

sq.m
Mini market 80-85 Separateentrance

Meeting hall 60 Includes Storage &

refreshment bay

Health Station 70-80 Separateentrance

Nurse/Doctor’s
office (2) 30-36
Waiting area 10-12

Storage 10-12

Toiletss 10-12

Kitchenette & Lab. 10-12

Others community
functions
Social worker 10-12

Post Office 15-18

Laundry club 15-18

Public Toilets 10-12

Lobby 20-30

Total Net Area 310-320

Separate entrances are being planned for each of the services, then the Lobby area may be
added to that of the Meeting-hall.

Additional Requirements:
o The Meeting hall needs a yard with direct access from the hall. Sports facilities can also be
planned for the yard.
o The Minimarket needs parking spacesand direct vehicular accessto storage areas.
o Avoid functional interference, mainly between the minimarket and meeting hall.

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 Sources:
n The Technion, Centre for Urban and Regional Study, Land Allocations for Planning, part
3: Health Services.

F. Schematic Representation of Linkage Between the function

Basic clinic + Family -

Health Station

[ Toilettep-[ Etz )

-d Kitchen

Mini-Market g&&$

1 Alternative
\ Other Comniunity
1 Entrance/
\ / Functions
G. Minimarket, Meeting-hall (club), and other Community Functions

Function Net Area No. of Spaces Total Net Notes

sq.m Needed Area-sq.m.

Meeting hall 190-200 Separateentrance

(club)
Multi-purposehall 80-85 80-85
Smallgroup
Roms 20-35 2-3 60-95
OffIce lo-12 1 lo-12
Toilets lo-12 1 lo-12
Storage lo-12 Adjacentto the hall

Health Station 70-90

Nurse/Doctor’s
office (2) 30-36
Waiting area 10-12
Storage lo-12
Toiletss lo-12
KitchenetteandLab. lo-12

Lobby and
Passageways 3040 3040

Total Net Area 300-320

Additional Requirements:
o The meeting-hall needs a courtyard with direct access.
o Avoid functional disturbances between meeting-hall and clinic.

Sources:
n The Technion, Centre for Urban and Regional Study, Land Allocations for Planning, part
3: Health Services.

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 G. Schematic Representation of Linkage Between the function

Health
Station

[ LabratoryJ \I’

\ Entrance/
\ AA /

Club

I22
H. Minimarket, Social Services Bureau, Laundry and Post Office

Function Net Area No. of Spaces Total Net Notes

sq.m Needed Area-sq.m.

Minimarket 120-140 Separateentrance

Social Services
Bureay 130-160
Entrance lo-12 1 lo-12
Reception lo-12 2 20-24
Waiting ama 5-6 1 5-6
Director’s office lo-12 1 lo-12
Housekeeper lo-12 1 lo-12
Staff Room
(7 workers) 20-24 1 20-24
Duty Social Worker
mom lo-12 1 lo-12
TreatmentRoom lo-12 1 lo-12
Therapy Room 15-18 1 15-18
Kitchenette 5-6 1 5-6
Storage& Archives l&12 1 lo-12
Toilets lo-12 1 lo-12

Total Net Area 300-320

Additional Requirements:
o Complete Separation between the principal functions is essential, especially between the
minimarket and the social services Dept.
o It is desirable to plan a small children’s play-yard as part of the social services department.

Sources:
n Department of Labour and Welfare, Planning of Buildings for Social Services Departments
- Programmes and Conceptual Plans, January 199 1 (Method B).
Deviations from the programme:
The above programme does not include a games room, which, in the original programme, was
located in the air-raid shelter.

H. Schematic Representation of Linkage Between the function

Mini-Market

Social
services
Bureau

Other
Community
Functions
I. Branch of a Community Centre

Function Net Area No. of Spaces Total Net Notes

I sq.m Needed I Area-sq.m.

Multi-purposehall
I
140 1 I 140 1

Small group Rooms 30-35 2 I 60-70 I

Director’s office lo-12

I lo-12
I
Secretariat lo-12
I lo-12
I
Storage lo-12

I lo-12 I lo-12 I

Lobby and
Passageways

Total Net Area

I I 300-320 1

Additional Requirements:
o As circumstances and needs dictate, a second small activities room can be added, or the
size of the lobby increased, both at the expense of the multi-purpose hall.
o It is possible for activities to take place simultaneously in the hall and the small activity
rooms without disturbing each other.
o An external yard is required for outdoor activities (part of this area could be planned for
sport facilities).

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 I. Schematic Representation of Linkage Between the function

- n Yard x

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J. A Small Day-Care for the Elderly

Function Net Area No. of Spaces Total Net Notes

sq.m Needed Area-sq.m.

Multi-purpose
Dining Room 4045 1
Kitchen and 25-30 1
Larder 10-12 1 75-87

Administmtion 10-12 1
Principal’s office lo-12 1 20-24

Workshop & 30-35

Storage 12-10 1 4047

Staffmom lo-12 1
Staffs toilets lo-12 1 20-24

Activities Room 25-30 1 25-30

Restroom lo-12 1 lo-12

Hairdresser& 10-12 1 lo-12

Pedicure

Toilets & Showers lo-12 20-24 One shower

Cloakroom lo-12 lo-12

Generalstorage lo-12 lo-12

Lobby and
Passageways

Total Net Area 300-320

El
27
Additional Requirements:
o The centre requires a yard which will include a parking lot, entrance plaza, activities area,
kitchen-yard and garden. Total yard area: 600-800 sq.m.
o Stairs should be avoided as far as possible, but where necessary, a ramp/lift should be
planned for wheel-chair traffic.
o It is necessary to adapt functions to handicapped persons (including those confined to
wheelchairs). See details in the source.
o It is desirable to have the workroom adjoining the dining room, and plan a wide door or a
movable partition between them, so as to permit use of part of the dining-room area for
occupational activity.

Source:
n The Institute for Development of Educational and Welfare Facili ties Guide for the
Planning and Construction of a Day Centre for the Elderly, Eshel, May 1991.

Deviations from the original programme:

Total net area in the original programme was 266 sq.m.
J. Schematic Representation of Linkage Between the function

Yard
L
K. Building Designed as a (large) Social Services Department

General Functions Team A Team B

Function
IFunction Function Net
Area
Lobby &
Corridors I 25-40 I
ITeam’sroom 1 lo-12 1 Team’s room lo-12

Reception&
Secretariat 5-6
IAdmin. worker
OffiCe I lo-12 I
Admin. worker
OffiCe

Staffs room
lo-12

Director’s (7 persons) 20-24

OffiCe lo-12
Duty Social
Secretary’s Worker’s room lo-12
Of&X! lo-12
Coordinator’s
mom lo-12
Group Terapy
mom I -1
15-18
Treatmentmom lo-12

Waiting Area
Conferenceroom 15-18 - J
.
?
Gamesroom lo-12 c
i .. ..... .... .....
Senior Citizens’ Section

Function

Section
Coordinator I lo-12 I

~tm-v
Reception I lo-12 I

I30
Additional Requirements:
o It is desirable to plan for a children’s activity yard.

Source:
n Ministry of Labour and Welfare, Planning Buildings for Social Services Departments.
See Therein

K. Schematic Representation of Linkage Between the function

n
Larder

Admin.
Worker
OtlkX
stars
Coordinator’ Room
Room Waiting
Room

u Entrance
3. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISATION OF THE
MULTIPURPOSE BUILDING

A. THE BASIC FUNCTIONAL UNITS COMPRISING THE BUILDING

The building’s basic physical infrastructure, including three types of functional units:

l Main Unit - A space having a net area of 60 sq.m. Minimum width is 6.40 m. The
ratio of the space’s length to its width must not exceed 3:2. This unit could suitably serve
as a day-care creche room, a kindergarten classroom, a small club-room etc.

The number of such main units in a building: three.

Every main unit can be divided into smaller units of varying sizes. Such division enables
the area to be converted into small- group meeting rooms, offices, treatment rooms and
the like.

Two of the three units will be adjoining along their length, with the possibility of
combining them into a single space of 120 sq.m., and in such a way as to retain the
above-mentioned 1ength:width ratio. Such a combination can give an area required for a
small children’s division, a large meeting hall, a mini market and other similar purposes.

l Attached Unit - having an area of 20-22 sq.m. and a 1ength:width ratio of between 2:l
and 3:2.

No. of attached units in the building: three

Every attached unit can be divided into two spaces of lo-12 sq.m. each, with a
1ength:width ratio of between 1: 1 and 1.5: 1. This type of unit is usually meant to be used
for service functions or for storage or offices, or as a small lobby adjacent to a certain
service requiring its own entrance, and so forth. Every attached unit should adjoin a main
unit along its length and it should also be possible to attach it to the main unit in order to
obtain a larger, but not necessarily rectangular, space (80 sq.m.). Joining the attached
unit to the above main unit will make possible the following:

- Attachment of the restrooms, storerooms and other similar type areas, to the main area
of activity, for which they could be essential (e.g. day creche, kindergarten etc.);

- Enlargement of the large hall areas, such as the meeting- hall, minimarket and others;

q32
-
 - Creation of autonomous functional wings for external services combined under one
roof (minimarket, meeting-hall, family-health station and clinic and other similar func
tions).

l Public Unit - Has a net area of 80 sq.m., which can be planned as a combination of a
Main Unit (60 sq.m.) and an Attached Unit (20-22 sq.m.).

The Public unit serves as the connecting link between the three Main Units so as to make
possible:

- Attachment of parts of its area to each one of the Main Units, in order to enlarge the
functional area of autonomous services combined in one building (e.g. additional
storage space for three kindergarten classrooms or additional kitchen space for a creche,
combined together with other services in a single structure etc.).

- Utilization of part of its area as an entrance lobby for a specific service (creche,
community centre branch, day centre for the elderly, social services department and
others).

- Utilization of parts of its area for functions common to all parts of the building (e.g.
administration, kitchen, public restrooms and so on).

- Use of parts of its area for autonomous services which are especially small compared to
others integrated into the building (laundry, post office, office receiving the public,
small family-health station).

- Use of its area in the same way that Main and Attached Units are used, as described
above (e.g. addition to small-group- activity rooms in a community centre branch, one
of the divisions of a social services department, or of a day-care centre for the elderly,
and other similar functions).

The Public Unit, too, is also divisible into smaller units of varying sizes.

cl33
Conceptual Planning of the Units

Possibility
of
Combiningthe

ATTACHED
IJNIT ATTACHED
tiNIT

assagewayto toVI
Passageway
.ttached
Unit Attached
Unit

I /-\ I \ Atta&ed

ATTACHED T
UN1

cl34
Schematic Example of a Structure Built by Attaching Modular Units

I ATTACHEDUNIT

rl MAINUNIT

Schematic Example of a Structure Built by the Rectangular “Warehouse”

Method

MAINUNIT MAINUNIT 5
B
5
s
2
---I)- ,
I

MAINUNIT PUBLICUNIT

I
Types of Components of Modular Structures and How the Main Unit Relates
to Them.

Wall Wall

Connection
Between
Units

Wall
I..........
/...+$. ../.
.........
i b .....i .........
r ... .D I
..........
IIIC : .

.I......b.. ....I.........
.........
iIII$I i : .
l----
i
1 Awning
I

c [ . . . . . . . . . T . . . . . . . . . , ,“....“. I’ . . . . . . . . . , ,......... ~

0.i.......
......
Ai..........
..........

i-
..... ...... ... .... ji& ...

.......... i .......... .......... i.. .................. i.. ........

I Awning I
I I
I1 II;-- L e---m-- --J
B. THE SITE

0 The building, as we studied it, is suitable for single level, ground storey construction on a
site having an area of 4.8-6.0 acres (1.2-1.5 dunams) on topographically flat ground. We
did not examine the impact multi-storey building (such as constructing one complex on
another). Application of the model in districts suffering from a severe shortage of sites
for the construction of public buildings and in topographically mountainous areas would
require closer examination.

0 It is essential that the shape of the site and its dimensions permit planning of three
courtyards, each one adjacent to the Main Unit. The minimum area of each yard should
be about 200 sq.m., all in one piece. The yards should be separated or joined according
to the specific programme of the complex.

In addition to the courtyards, it is desirable to set aside another area of about 200 sq.m.,
adjacent to the Public Unit, giving greater flexibility to the physical solutions required for
the various programmes.

Each one of the courtyards, as well as the entire site, can be fenced off, according to the
safety requirements of the various services and/or the demands of the authorities.

Division of the Site-Courtyard to Each Unit

Boundary
Fence

UNIT II

UNIT I PUBLICUNIT

Boundary
Fence

El
37
C. TECHNICAL CHARACTERISATION OF THE STRUCTURE

l General

The large degree of flexibility demanded of the building (when switching from function to
function), and its modularity, make it essential that special attention be paid to the
requirements of its basic brief of specifications.

Any construction method chosen for execution of the buildings - whether it be the
industrial method of construction, or the conventional one, or the method using modular
spaces, or a single large space divided up by the Warehouse method - must comply with
these requirements. Solutions put forward by a designer when planning the building will
be different, each one suited to the construction method chosen. In the technical
characterisa tion to be presented hereunder, we shall relate to the various methods of
construction, while giving special emphasis to salient issues raised in one method or
another.

l Standards, Specifications, General Specifications and Guidelines

It is suggested that the planning and execution of the building project be subject to the
Planning and Construction Law and all the existing standards and specifications for the
planned function.

a38
Technical Characterisation of the Building: Special Requirement

FRAME GENERAL DEMANDS SPECIAL DEMANDS SPECIAL DEMANDS

FOR MODULAR FOR RECTANGULAR
PLANNING PLANNING
(Warehouse Scheme)

General Bearing Walls/ Bearing Pillars/Wa.lls

Pillars on
Perimeter of
every functional
unit

Wall common No bearing walls/ It is reasonable

to 2 units pillars in the central that the supporting
designed to span of ca. 80% construction consist
connect to RHEVN. ofaframe
ahall In this area, the ceiling (steel/concrete)
will be supported by over a decorative/
an overhead beam. acoustic/iisulating
Preparations can be ceiling.
made for a beam,
in the early stages.

From bldgs Possible to break open In transported pre-cast

based on additional openings in modules placed
bearing external walls if side-by-side,
walls planned by some of the walls
an architect. will be double.
Details of lintels,
partitions and doors
in these walls must
be coordinated.

Floor basing One solid, continuous Continuity of the

sheet of flooring is intmodular seam
preferred: A concrete must be ensured
slab laid on the ground by joint streng-
thening of the
unit floors.
Floor covering
will be continuous
such that the seams
will not be noticed.

cl39
 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

External Walls

Openings (doors, windows) Possible to make additional openings or close existing

ones in the structure.

Function change Possibility of an external wall becoming an internal one.

General The walls must meet the usual criteria re vandalism,

erosion, water penetration, aesthetic ageing and thermal
insulation.

Internal Walls

General Because of the great flexibility required, use of Gypsum

- or equivalent - partitions is recommended, installed on
a light internal frame.

Special care must be taken:

1.To plan internal reinforcements so as to permit
making openings later on.
2. In joining the partitions to the external walls, due to
the tendency toward cracking.

Acoustic Insulation The partitions must touch the roof of the building
(including the space above the acous tic ceiling), as one
single unit or by means of acoustic blocking above the
lowered ceiling.

More than one layer of gypsum can be installed on

either side of the partition + elastic restraining straight-edge +
insulating fill material, all according to acoustic require-
ments.

Finish

Flooring Use of continuous flooring throughout the entire

building is recommended, in order to enable rapid
modifications to be made when dividing it up by means
of dry partitions, such as gypsum partitions, which will
be constructed on the surface of the flooring without
disrupt ing it.

Rigid/Decorative Ceiling One continuous cover throughout the entire structure is

recommended, for the same reasons given above.

El
40
 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Vandalism Use should be made of methods and materials resistant

to vandalistic attack, or of materi als easily repaired or
renewed after such attacks.

Sanitary Installations

A permanent location should be reserved in all the

various programmes, for toilets and wash basins, or
modifications made according to expected changes:
1. Preparing dugouts in potential locations which will
be inaccessible in the future
2. Preparing sleeves in the cast concrete, through which
piping can be inserted at a later date.

Electrical System

Wall Connections: The wall connections and switches should be located on

Outlets, Switches, the structure’s permanent walls. If there are no such
Antenna Connections, walls, the electrical wiring should be passed over the
Computer Connections acoustic ceiling and run through the gypsum walls.

Main ElectricaI The location of the control panel is to remain

Control Panel permanent throughout all the various programmes.
It is desirable to locate it in the vicinity of the lobby
which does not change.
It is recommended to make preparations for load
increases on the panel, including preparations for air
conditioning.

cl41
 Conceptual Model for Programme A’

An Example of Planning by the Modular Methood

PROGRAMME A’
j-Room Day-Care Centre
Yard
A

Yard

Yard

v
Yard Main
Entrance

I42
Conceptual Model for Programme A’

An Exampleof Planningby theRectangularMethood

PROGRAMME A’
3-Room Day-Care Centre

Yard Yard

Toil&k 1 Toil&e
-
Cllasroom Cllasroom
8
-b

-
-
I Lobby -
I
-haITToik
-II Clbsroom
i-l-

Toilette-

T;7
Yard
I I
Main
Entrance

El
43

----__
4. ISSUES INVOLVED IN THE MODEL’S APPLICATION

Estimation of Requirements for Construction of The Multipurpose Building

Estimation of the requirements entails careful study of the physical characteristics of the site and
the demographic characteristics of the population.

We shall point here, to some physical factors which are meaningful in determination of the
number of building a the site, their location, the planning of the services in each one of them
and the type of construction:

l The site master plan and both the short-term and the long-term building plans for the public
buildings therein: This information impacts on the decisions as to whether the building
constitutes a temporary or a permanent solution to the services designated for it in the
immediate future, and where to situate it when taking into consideration its long-term
purposes.

l The location of the site: The distance between it and the nearest population centre, and the
mutual accessibility of the two. This factor has significance when determining which
services must be located on the site itself, and which can be got from the institutions already
found in the nearby population centre (subject to a potential increase in the scope of those
services).

l Available vacant buildings on the site: which can be converted for use with various services,
as temporary or permanent solution. The possibility of converting existing buildings could,
in certain circumstances, prove to be preferable to that of erecting a new complex.

l The purpose of the site: Temporary or permanent residences. This factor has relevance in a
decision as to whether to plan the complex as a permanent structure or a temporary one. On
a site designated for temporary residences - it is reasonable to plan the complexes thereon as
temporary facilities, or alternatively, to consider the possibilities of utilising it when the site
returns to being what it was originally intended.

l The number of residential units on the site.

l Distribution of the residential units over the site: The disposi tion is influenced by the size of
the site and the type of construction - ground-hugging or saturated. This data must be taken
into account in any consideration of deployment of the complexes and the services each one
will house. For example, on a site having extensive distribution, it will be necessary to
scatter the complexes more widely and to determine the services in each of them according
to its accessibility to the target population.

I44