Interstitial space (architecture)

The heights of these spaces are generally 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 m) and allow easy access for repair or alteration.

Another way to use an interstitial space is to incorporate a design that divides the functions of the building into groups and localizes them.

Horizontal expansion is especially easy because of the interstitial space between the surgical suite and the emergency floors, where the mechanical system functions are the most crucial in this building.

The idea of using an interstitial space was started in the 1960s by professors at Texas A&M University’s College of Architecture.

The first building to actually use an interstitial space design was Louis Kahn’s Salk Institute of Biological Studies in La Jolla, California.

In a medical or lab facility, where technology can change quickly, future equipment sizes and requirements can be unpredictable.

If the equipment itself must be retrofitted, it can be done faster, since the spaces have ample area to work and are separated by floor.

Another advantage of using an interstitial space is that easy access to the equipment in them may encourage preventative maintenance.

One main thing that increases is the amount of façade material necessary to cover the skin of the building.