Visual Access

In this example, visual access from the corridor into exam rooms is mapped.  The exam table is shaded in pink.  Note that although rooms might be identical in plan, the degree of visual access to the patient on the exam table can vary significantly because of the relationship of the room to adjoining spaces and the direction of approach of the observer.

With visual exposure, the isovist field includes all possible locations from which the location can be viewed.  In this case, the location in the center of the waiting room is visible from many other locations in the surrounding corridors but as someone walked by, there would be a continous cycle of exposure and concealment.  This condition is not as obtrusive as a completely open perimeter.  Note that the double doors at the bottom edge of the space could be closed to provide more privacy.  Options like this improve privacy since they allow the inhabitants to adjust conditions to the needs of the moment and what they find appropriate over time.  the presenceof these doors also is an architectural  "trace" indicating that this waiting area may be used for other activities in addition to waiting for an exam.