AN INVESTIGATION OF THE ARCHITECTURAL REQUIREMENTS TYPICAL OF HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS

The Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) is an innovative health care system that requires new design responses from the health facilities architect. This study focused on the need to identify the range of services provided by health maintenance organizations and the health delivery and organizational concepts which one would expect to be reflected in the architecture of HMO's.; The method of inquiry selected included a survey of relevant literature and a survey of architects and administrators experienced in current HMO programs. The survey uncovered distinct facility needs and requirements for HMO's.; The information generated was converted into a graphic language based on the "Pattern Language" method developed by Chris Alexander.; A subsequent trial application of this graphic information in a third year architectural design studio demonstrated the value of the suggested design patterns to the designer attempting to design HMO facilities.