Innovation technology for integration of health-care infrastructure planning, design, construction

This HaCIRIC research project at Loughborough University aims to apply advances in construction information technology (IT) in modelling, simulation and visualisation to develop an integrated approach to the planning, design, construction and operation of healthcare infrastructure.

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The UK National Health Service (NHS) is currently undergoing transformation, with the Darzi review identifying access to GPs, hygiene and innovation as priorities. Innovative healing environments very much depend upon the design and construction of healthcare facilities that contribute to the quality of care and recovery process, whilst promoting therapeutic goals and enhancing operational efficiency.

Previous research has linked quality of care, patient health and wellbeing with the physical characteristics of the healthcare environment (Douglas and Douglas, 2004 and 2005). However, relationships between environmental stimulus and response are complex and not fully understood (Canter and Canter, 1979). An integrated approach is needed but this requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including those who might not be able to visualise solutions being present.

Current research has identified a need for evidence-based design strategies for patient-centred healthcare infrastructure and this can be provided by the application of innovation technology that benefits from advances in CAD, BIM, Parametric Modelling and Simulation, Visualisation, VR, AR and Virtual Prototyping.

Through a combination of state-of-the-art reviews, identification and study of good current practice, and modelling and simulation, this project will investigate a range of techniques, solutions, and strategies. It will also explore relationships and conceptual linkages between the physical environment, innovation and healing environments. It has as some of its objectives:

the determination of UK and international application of innovation technology to healthcare infrastructure planning, design and construction;
the development of a Healthcare Infrastructure Digital Mock Up Facility (HIDMUF); and
the development of an integrated approach to the planning, design and construction of healthcare infrastructure.

Captions:

Top: Advances in 3D CAD & 3D BIM were applied by Architects from Anshen + Allen for the creation, effective collaboration and integration of the mechanical, structural, electrical and plumbing systems for the Mills-Peninsula Medical Centre in California, USA. The ArchiCAD™ 3D BIM model was also used in collaboration with NavisWorks™ for preconstruction clash detection simulation tests. (Image source: Graphisoft; Anshen + Allen).

Middle: NBBJ utilised Bentley BIM technology for the design, documentation and 3D visualisation of the Moscow Medical Centre, now under construction in suburban Krylatsky Hills. The Centre’s scheme objectives involved the design of a hospital that promotes the process of patient healing through the creation of friendly and operationally efficient experiences. (Image source: NBBJ)

Bottom: Advances in 3D CAD & 3D BIM were applied by Architects from Escade for the creation of a hospital design in Netherlands utilising The Bentley speedikon Architectural. It is a single architectural integrated BIM application for MicroStation for building design and construction documentation of new and existing structures that include hospitals. (Image source: Escade).

For further information please contact at Loughborough University Professor Andrew Price (01509 222627; 01509 222604; E-mail a.d.f.price@lboro.ac.uk), or Emeka E. Osaji (01509 223641; E-mail e.e.osaji@lboro.ac.uk), or visit http://www.haciric.org/.