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that means including specifi c military spaces to address the unique needs of the military in keeping its personnel physically fi t and mentally ready for battle. At most Air Force bases, for instance, there are spaces set aside for testing pilots and fl ight crews to ensure they are fi t enough to withstand the forces im- posed by fl ying faster than the speed of sound. An additional challenge for the architects, planners and engi- neers working on these projects is the need to ensure the safety of the patients and staf using these facilities. Antiterrorism and Force Protection requirements must be included within the design of these facilities to protect against explosions and other forms of attack. The 160,000-square-foot renovation of the medical center at Langley Air Force Base, for instance, included a thorough modernization of the treatment spaces and mechani- cal systems in the building. It also included a complete replace- ment and upgrading of the exterior using blast-proof concrete panels faced with red brick. The Unifi ed Facility Criteria, which applies to all military departments within the Department of Defense, dictates that protection against "progressive collapse" must be built into any structure over three stories. Funding, managing projects Even though facility management on these bases have done well using Sustainment, Restoration and Modernization funds to keep these facilities in operation, some of these medical clinics have outlived their useful lives and are good candidates for re- placement. New construction, using MILCON funding, enables replacement facilities and major renovations to take place. As a consequence, managing these renovation projects re- quires complex phasing plans that allow the buildings to remain occupied and operational while the work is underway. The 71,000-square-foot renovation of the clinic at Robins Air Force Base — a major project that connected adjacent buildings across a light-fi lled medical mall, but also required replacing mechanical and roofi ng systems — required a signifi cant phasing plan with transitional facilities to keep the clinic in business throughout the four-year project. The Corps of Engineers adds one other requirement to ensure a totally coordinated and operational fi nished facility — the Design-Builders for these projects must outfi t and support transition services for the move and startup of these facilities as well. By working closely with the building's operational and medical staf during the design and planning stages, the architects and special consultants are able to create spaces tailored to the major medical equipment including imaging systems, pharmacy, laboratory and specialized treatment furniture typically found in a healthcare setting. As the military continues to update and upgrade its base medical clinics, success will lie in the ability of the selected Design-Builders to bring multi-disciplinary services — from creative approaches to complex renovations, detail-oriented project management skills and team-oriented leadership to ensure each clinic is outfi tted with the appropriate equipment. In the end, however, the result is facilities equal to the mission of providing America's military personnel with the healthcare they need and deserve. John Stone, AIA, is a vice president in Heery International's Healthcare Design practice. The 160,000-square-foot renovation of the medical center at Langley Air Force Base modernized treatment spaces and mechanical systems in the building. It also included a complete replacement and upgrading of the exterior using blast-proof concrete panels faced with red brick. Customized video distribution solutions for your healthcare environment www.z-band.com/healthcare 866-902-2606 ENTERTAIN E D U C A T E & E N G A G E MCDM AG.COM | M AY/ J U N E 2015 | Medical Construction & Design 39