A PAPER ON

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR SPACES IN A VETERINARY SET-UP

BY
NIDHI KRISHNASWAMY
FOURTH YEAR B.ARCH
ROLL NO: 27
RESEARCH IN ARCHITECTURE

INTERNAL EXAMINER EXTERNAL EXAMINER

B.K.P.S.COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE, PUNE – 411030

SAVITRIBAI PHULE UNIVERSITY
2018-2019

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 Design Considerations for spaces in a Veterinary set-up
Author1 – Nidhi Krishnaswamy
Author2 – Ar. Sushma Parashar
1. Student of Fourth Year B. Arch, BKPSCOA, Pune.
2. Professor at BKPSCOA, Pune.

Abstract: A veterinary set-up which includes hospitals, clinics, rescue centres are functional
buildings wherein priority must be given to the needs of the patients i.e. the animals.
Incorporating certain basic design principles in the planning process can definitely help in
creating functional, easy to maintain spaces which cater to the needs of the patients as well as
the other users. However, these considerations are often overlooked by designers. This paper
presents the study and analysis of the design principles which include light, acoustics, colour,
scale and functional aspects which include sizes, materials and surface treatments. The study
will be limited to the waiting, examination room, operation theatres and housing areas of the
veterinary set-up. The factors that should be considered during the design process are
analysed and analysed data is reported to conclude on the significance of these factors and the
way in which they have an impact on the animals. This study will be helpful while designing
spaces within a veterinary set-up considering the significance level of the various factors.

Introduction: Veterinary hospitals have been designed, over the years, keeping in mind the
needs of the humans and overlooking the basic needs of the animals for which the hospital
has been built. Many patients become stressed in the veterinary hospital as they are in
unfamiliar surroundings, cannot control or predict what will happen to them, and may be in
pain. The design of spaces has an impact on the animals which, if not according to their
needs, may add to their discomfort. Simply adopting a better design which caters to their
need will eliminate the unwanted discomfort of the animals as well as their owners. A better
design is that which takes into consideration the various factors like light, acoustics, colour,
scale etc as well as the impact they have on the patients. Since this basic consideration is
often overlooked by designers, it becomes extremely important to study and incorporate these
principles in the design for more functional, easy to maintain and comfortable spaces for the
animals in spaces of a veterinary set-up. This study includes identifying and analyzing these
design factors as well as their importance in spaces of a veterinary set-up.

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Objectives: The objectives include studying the design principles like colour, light,
acoustics, scale as well as the functional aspects which include sizes, materials, surface
treatments and maintenance in the waiting room, examination room, operation theatre and
housing areas of the veterinary set-up along with certain planning aspects of the same.

Methodology: To achieve the objectives of this research, the literature has been reviewed
(secondary data) to identify the principles and then case studies have been carried out to
analyse the literature. (primary data) Also, a questionnaire had been prepared to interview the
veterinary doctors.

Requirements of a veterinary set-up based on the literature reviewed and the inputs from the
veterinary doctors:

1. Lighting: Facilities should be designed to offer as much natural light as possible. As dogs
and cats are physiologically similar to humans, daylighting provides the same healing
benefits to animals. Adequate amounts of darkness are as important as light. Light and
darkness should be provided so that they support the natural (circadian) rhythms of
wakefulness and sleep.

1.1Daylighting in Animal Wards, Treatment, and Examination spaces: Daylighting can be

achieved via windows to the exterior, high light shelves and clerestory lighting, and on
interior spaces, via overhead skylights. However, caution must be used to avoid the
introduction of too much heat.

1.2Dimmable Lighting in Wards and Examination rooms: Dogs and cats have a minimum
threshold for light detection that is six times lower than a human’s. A lighting of 550 lux is
recommended for areas where patients are examined, which may also include wards. This
level of bright lighting can be stressful for patients, so lighting should be designed to dim or
step down to 300 lux or less when full lighting levels are not required.

1.3 Full spectrum lighting in animal occupied areas: Animals do not see well in the red end
of the spectrum. Hence, LED lighting should be used instead of fluorescent lighting because
of its superior spectral distribution. High CRI bulbs (90 CRI or greater) must be used. Colour
temperature of 5000K must not be exceeded as it creates harsh, unpleasant lighting with
strong spectral peaks. (ref fig. 1 in annexure)

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2. Acoustical control: An appropriate acoustic environment is essential for good animal
health and welfare. Noise should be minimized in animal areas. The key is to select
materials that dampen noise while still achieving the desired level of sanitation.

2.1 Ceiling: ceiling materials in animal and medical spaces should achieve a noise reduction
co-efficient (NRC) of at least 0.65. Suspended ceilings with acoustical tiles should be used.
Free hanging baffles may be used as well. The surgical areas need clean-room ceilings using
specialized ceiling tiles with sealed edges and back coatings.

2.2 Flooring: Rubber flooring is naturally absorptive and has an NRC of approximately 0.5
which may be used provided it is easy to sanitize.

2.3 To reduce noise in the exam rooms, two layers of glass separated by a 2 inch air space
should be use. In addition, a solid core wood door is needed with stripping around the door to
seal in the sound.

3. Colour: A common misconception is that dogs are colourblind. In reality, dogs have
dichromatic vision and can see most of the range of colours humans can see. Dogs and
cats can see better in low light than humans can and are also able to see
into the ultraviolet UVB spectrum. The colours, hence, should be in the soft yellow to
violet range, avoiding oranges and reds. (ref fig. 2 in annexure)
4. The waiting room: The hospital must be set-up so that the first thing the animal sees on
arrival is a reception desk and not other animals. It is important that feline contact with
dogs must be minimized within the veterinary environment. Separating pets by species is
required to reduce fear and anxiety in indoor lobbies. The lobby desk may span the
divider between the dog and cat lobbies in order to allow the hospital to share reception
staff.
5. Surfaces and Drainage: Non-porous surfaces that can be easily disinfected and are durable
enough to withstand repeated cleaning should be used in all animal areas. A sealed,
impermeable surface, such as sealed concrete or epoxy is ideal for flooring. Carpeting
should not be used because of difficulty in cleaning and disinfecting. Tiled floors may be
acceptable, but are not recommended as the seams and grout lines require higher
maintenance and attention to sanitation than a jointless sealed surface. Points where walls
meet floors should also be sealed.(ref fig. 3 in annexure).

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 Floors should be gently sloped to enable wastes and water to run off into drains. Drains
should be covered and designed to prevent toes from being caught in them.
6. Non slip flooring: Non-slip flooring is defined as flooring that provides a coefficient of
friction (COF) of at least 0.60 when wet. In addition to achieving this standard, the floor
must not have a high gloss or polished surface, as this may create the psychological
impression that the floor is slippery. The following flooring surfaces qualify:
• Safety sheet vinyl floors:
• Safety vinyl tile.
• Rubber tile and sheet flooring.
• Resinous flooring.
7. Wall finishes: Washable latex, semi gloss enamel paint, Epoxy paint, Ceramic tile dado,
Vinyl wall covering are some of the options which should be adopted in veterinary
environments for ease in maintenance.
8. Cages and housing: Cats should be housed separately from dogs, and both should be kept
in kennels that do not face other animals to decrease visual contact. Providing cats with
hiding places allows cats to perform their coping behavior affording a sense of control
over the environment. The act of draping a towel over the cage door makes the animal
feel less exposed. Cages must have low gloss, non reflective surfaces. There must be a
balance between visual connection (to the outside) and visual isolation (from other
animals) for a comfortable environment.
9. The examination table: In any area where a dog or cat is examined or treated while
awake and alert, an examination table which allows the animal to approach and get to the
top of the table without being lifted is recommended. A fold out stair provides access to
the top of the table, and folds away when not in use to keep the floor clear may be used.
(ref fig. 4 in annexure)

Case 1: Pet Cover Clinic, Paud road, Pune (Dr. Vinay Gorhe)

This is a veterinary clinic for small animals only.

The waiting room: The retail shop has been combined

with the waiting room thus drastically reducing the area of
the waiting hall. Discomfort in the animals as well as their
owners was observed. The noise levels were very high and
the natural light entering the room is very less. Fig 5 : the waiting room

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The treatment room (OPD): Lifting animals to placed them on the
examination tables are a major cause of stress in them. Keeping this
in mind, the treatment room has a hydraulic table for examination
of the size 1360x620 with height varying between 320-1020 so that
the animals need not be lifted. Also, the weighing scale is at a lower
level (300 mm from the floor) The surface of the treatment table
was non slippery (rubber mat) for animal comfort. Natural light
levels were high however, noise levels were quite high as there was
Fig 6: the treatment room with
no noise isolation between the waiting and the examination room. hydraulic table

The operation theatre: Shadow less lamps

have been used. Stainless steel table of size
1360x 620x800 with a central drain is used.
Stainless steel is used since it is easy to
disinfect and clean however it is slippery
and may cause discomfort to the animal.
There is adequate natural light. However
the flooring used is that of vitrified tiles
which makes it difficult for cleaning.
Fig 7 and 8 : the operation theatre with shadowless lamps

The housing: Separate housing for cats and dogs. Open drains are present which leads to foul
smell throughout both the rooms. Animals are facing each other which is a major stressor.
Hardly any natural light is present in the room. No visual connection with the outside and no
access to the outdoors leads to high level of discomfort in animals.

Fig 9, 10, 11: housing and cages for dogs and cats

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Case 2: ResQ charitable trust, Mulshi, Pune (Dr. Indrakshi Banerjee)

ResQ is a non-profit organization that works towards rescuing and rehabilitating injured and
sick animals since 2007.

The waiting room: Since this is a rescue centre, there is no area allotted for waiting.

The Treatment room: A stainless steel

table of size 1250x600x800 with a central
drain is used. Tiled flooring is used and
there is no natural light in the treatment
area.

Fig 12, 13: treatment room

Operation Theatre: Lack of natural light and ventilation in the

operation theatre leading to foul smell. Stainless steel table with a
central drain is present. Shadowless lamps are also present.
However, the colours used for the furniture as well as the walls are
Fig 14: the operation theatre dark which add to the discomfort of the animals.

Cages for housing: There are separate housing areas depending on the type of animals as well
as the level of observation and care required. Marble separators have been used between the
cages to prevent the waste from entering. Adequate drains have also been provided with the
required slope. The flooring used in the areas adjoining the drains is jointless IPS flooring for
ease in maintenance. Also, there is an adequate balance between visual isolation and visual
connection which makes it quite a comfortable space for the animals. There is also a linkage
to the outdoor open spaces.

Fig 14, 15, 16, 17: cages and housing for small animals

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Treatment areas for large animals: Sheds and travis have been provided for treatment of large
animals like cows, pigs, horses, etc. The flooring is of concrete for facilitating drainage. The
spaces for animals are segregated based on their species for comfort. There is also a sense of
freedom to the animal because of the scale of the surrounding open space.

Fig 18, 19, 20: housing for large animals

Case 3: Government Veterinary Hospital, Aundh, Pune (Dr. Theurkar)

This is a government run veterinary hospital for all animals.
Waiting room: Even though there is a waiting room within the hospital, it is not being used
because it becomes difficult to maintain and due to the lack of light and ventilation, can lead
to spread of diseases and higher levels of discomfort. Hence, the outdoor open area serves as
a waiting which is not recommended as the sound levels are high and there is no visual
isolation between the different species of animals.

The treatment room: The treatment of majority of the animals is again carried out in the
outdoor. Stainless steel tables are used. The flooring is a major issue as it is paved (slippery).
The drainage in this case is also a problem as adequate slope is not provided. Treatment of
large animals is also done in the same area which is again a major setback in terms of design.
Even though it is a hospital for large animals as well, there is no provision for housing them
during their recovery stage.

Fig 21, 22, 23, 24: waiting and treatment areas

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The operation theatre: Poor ventilation in the OT leading to foul smells. Shadowless lamps
are used. Stainless steel table with a central drain is used. Flooring is of vitrified tiles and the
joints are difficult to clean. There is sound isolation (double glazed partitions are used)

Analysis: Comparative analysis table:

Space Case 1 Case 2 Case 3

Pet cover clinic ResQ Charitable Trust Govt. Vet. Hospital
Waiting room Retail shop combined No waiting room Poor light and
with waiting. ventilation. Hence,
Low natural light not being used.
High noise levels

Treatment room Hydraulic Stainless steel Treatment carried out

examination table. examination table. in the outdoor (semi-
High noise levels. No natural light open paved space)for
Tiled flooring Tiled flooring small and large
Dark colours used animals
Stainless steel
examination table
and travis

Operation Adequate natural No Natural light Low natural light

Theatre light Use of shadowless levels
Use of shadowless lamps. Use of shadowless
lamps Dark colours used for lamps
Tiled flooring furniture Tiled flooring
Tiled flooring

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 Housing Separate for cats and Separate for dogs and No housing facility
dogs. cats. Segregation on
Low levels of natural level of care needed
light. and type of disease as
Visual isolation- low well.
Visual connection- Visual isolation- high
low. Visual connection-
Open drains high.
Tiled flooring Linkage to outdoor
spaces.
Closed drains
IPS flooring
Separate sheds for
large animals with
proper drainage and
IPS flooring.
Inferences: Based on inputs from the veterinary doctors, reviewed literature and case
studies it should be noted that flooring should be jointless for ease in cleaning like vinyl
floors, rubber sheet flooring and there should be consideration given to the wall-floor
junction, there should be adequate natural light and ventilation in all spaces especially the
treatment room. The examination tables used should preferably be such that the animals need
not be lifted to be put on the table. The colours used within the spaces must be in accordance
to the vision of the animals and not human preferences. Lights used (preferably LED) should
be dimmable as the light requirements vary as per the activities carried out in the spaces. The
areas where the animals are housed must have jointless flooring with the required slope for
drainage purposes and the drains must be covered. There should be visual isolation between
animals for comfort at the same time, they must be able to visually connect with the open
space.

Conclusion: Based on the case studies, it can be concluded that even some of the top
veterinary hospitals have not adopted important at the same time, easy to implement design
and planning aspects in their hospitals and clinics. Studying the design principles and
functional aspects of a veterinary set-up has led to a clear understanding of the way a hospital
is to be designed and planned. It must also be noted that these hospitals must be designed

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keeping in mind the end user i.e. animals and designers must make this their topmost priority
while planning and designing.

References:

 Rogers, Elizabeth, 2000, Designing Commercial Interiors, John Wiley & sons, USA
 Lloyd, Janice, 2017, minimizing stress for patients in the veterinary hospital,
Australia.
 Moser, Sarah, 2010, Building better health into your veterinary hospital – Hospital
design supplement.
 Lewis, Heather, 2015, Fear Free hospital design guideline.
 Newbury, Sandra, 2010, Standards of care in animal shelters.

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