معیارهای طراحی فضاهای داخلی کارا و ایمن در برابر حریق در بیمارستان‌های کودکان

Fire is one of the most hazardous and destructive incidents that can severely threaten human life, cause extensive financial losses, and disrupt the operational continuity of healthcare facilities. This risk becomes significantly more critical in children’s hospitals, where the physical and cognitive limitations of young patients prevent them from responding quickly or appropriately during emergencies. Consequently, the design of pediatric healthcare environments must integrate safety-oriented strategies that prioritize both rapid evacuation and the creation of supportive, comprehensible spaces for children. The present study aims to enhance the life safety of pediatric patients, reduce the financial damages associated with fire incidents, and improve the functional performance of interior spaces in children’s hospitals through a systematic evaluation of spatial, psychological, and technical factors influencing fire safety.
This applied research adopts a mixed-methods (qualitative–quantitative) approach and employs a descriptive–survey design. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire distributed among 100 participants representing three professional groups whose expertise plays a central role in designing safe pediatric environments: architects, fire and safety experts, and child psychologists. The collected data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, comparative statistical tests, and the Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) technique to identify, evaluate, and prioritize critical risk factors affecting the safety and performance of interior spaces.
The findings demonstrate that although each professional group emphasizes different aspects of safety, their perspectives converge on several fundamental principles. Architects place primary importance on spatial organization, the design of emergency staircases, circulation clarity, and the overall environmental quality of interior spaces. Fire and safety experts focus predominantly on technical systems, including fire detection and suppression, smoke control, compartmentalization, and ensuring that evacuation routes maintain acceptable performance under emergency conditions. Child psychologists, on the other hand, highlight the perceptual and emotional experiences of hospitalized children, emphasizing the importance of play spaces, familiar and comforting interior elements, and environmental features that reduce anxiety and support adaptive behavior during crises.
Integrating these viewpoints reveals three key factors considered essential for improving the safety and functionality of interior spaces in children’s hospitals. The first is the proper design and installation of fire alarm systems, which enable early detection and help prevent fire escalation by providing timely alerts for both staff and occupants. The second is the provision of diverse indoor and semi-open play areas that support social interaction between children, their families, and peers—spaces that not only foster psychological well-being but also facilitate calm behavior that may prove vital in emergency scenarios. The third factor is the incorporation of protected safe areas within the hospital layout, intended to safeguard children who cannot be rapidly evacuated and to provide a secure refuge until emergency personnel arrive.
The practical implications of these results are substantial. They offer a structured basis for architects, hospital administrators, facility managers, and regulatory bodies to formulate evidence-based guidelines and design criteria tailored specifically to pediatric environments. Furthermore, the study highlights the necessity of adopting an interdisciplinary approach that combines architectural design principles, fire-safety engineering, and psychological considerations related to children’s behavior under stress. Such a multidimensional perspective ensures that safety interventions do not compromise environmental quality or emotional comfort—two components that are vital for effective healing environments.
Overall, this research provides a comprehensive, data-driven contribution to the enhancement of fire-safe design in pediatric hospitals. By integrating quantitative risk assessment with expert-based evaluations, the study offers a practical framework that can support the development of safer, more efficient, and child-centered healthcare spaces. The results underscore the importance of revising and updating existing guidelines to align with interdisciplinary knowledge and emphasize the crucial role of design in mitigating fire risks while promoting the well-being of vulnerable pediatric populations.