Emergency healthcare architecture in Brazil
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Expectations about which direction will be the best path to be adopted in the different architectural scenarios for health have created a special challenge in Brazil during the pandemic of 2020/2021.
[edit] Brazilian experiences
In the Brazilian health system, it was possible to identify the different buildings for health assistance (EAS) dedicated specifically to the treatment of people affected by COVID-19:
- Hospitals that care exclusively for the patient with the disease, including existing units converted to service and units built temporarily for assistance.
- Hospitals for general disease care including COVID-19.
In most hospitals, a crisis committee was set up with professionals from management, assistance and technical areas such as architecture and engineering. The main concerns were related to changes in external and internal flows, the creation of beds dedicated to COVID, the mapping and or the acquisition of new equipment and the identification of the need to provide changes the air conditioning systems.
The first adaptations were; the creation of external environments for screening potentially infected patients, the separation of flows between different patients and the separation of access by the assistance team. Then came the zoning of inpatient areas, which defined exclusive areas for infected patients. Another fundamental item was the organisation of the areas of laboratory and imaging exams.
[edit] The floating hospital
The Floating Hospital was developed to attend emergency situations in the North Region. The equipment was installed on a floating raft and transported by river to its destination.
The arrangements in the space can vary from a large inpatient unit with 60 intensive care beds (with adaptable criticality allowing for the patient's stage of recovery in the bed itself), to a 30-bed hospital of medium complexity with an operating/obstetric centre, basic imaging, and laboratory. This includes technical and logistical support sectors necessary for its operation.
The air conditioning system was designed in full compliance with technical standards of air quality and international safety.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch-up on the latest episodes.
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.