Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to examine spatial characteristics of emergency department Chronologically through case studies; and to consider the social implication of these spatial changes. Methods: In this study, a total of eight emergency departments, one for each period, were selected in order to analyze the spatial characteristics. The spatial maps of Space Syntax were employed for analyzing case studies. Results: The spatial configuration of emergency department has been changed from five or more emergency department specialties to four or less specialties such as psychiatric, pediatrics, emergency, and trauma. In the case of care initiation area, the concentrated arrangement mode was switched from the distributed arrangement mode. The spatial maps indicate that it can be seen that the tree structure changes to an annular structure emphasizing the connection between the spaces in the emergency department. This shows that the space efficiency, safe, visual control and flexibility in the planning of the emergency department are important factors affecting the spatial structure of the emergency department. Implications: In the future, it is expected that Korean emergency department will be more focused on efficiency, safe, visual control, and flexibility in the planning as in the case studies of the United States.