Each year, Health Facilities Management magazine, a publication of the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE), releases the results of its hospital construction survey.

This year’s biggest trend? Construction Technology!

Top firms across the nation are relying on a number of technologies to catalyze their planning and promote efficiency throughout the life-cycle of their healthcare projects. Staying on budget and on schedule is finally becoming a reality with the help of Building Information Modeling (BIM), 360º Visualizations using drones, laser scanners, and 360 photography.

What’s getting accomplished using these methods?

1. Virtual mock-ups that walk health care clients through a project using a 3D model give health care owners confidence about the project. The approach helps the design and construction teams set expectations before the project begins and other technologies like 360-degree photography, 3D laser scanning, RFID are all enabling stakeholders to track the progress of their project.
2. BIM provides 3D visualization, facilitates real-time project coordination among team members, and allows the input of critical (and current) project data. Because BIM is made for clash detection, enhanced collaboration, and easier decision making. It’s becoming a required methodology on most hospital projects.
3. Reality Capture is also making prefabrication a viable option. With accurate as-built data and 3D models, fabricators are able to manufacture parts at a separate location. For example, exterior wall panels constructed in a factory and assembled on-site is less labor-intensive and creates significant cost and time savings.

80%

recognized cost control improvements

53%

realized the advantages of better communications

52%

stayed ahead of schedule

Coast 2 Coast has been a pioneer in using these technologies on hospital projects. Our clients see lower costs, faster results, and better coordination of documentation. As the survey points out, these methods are leading to better outcomes, and from a design perspective and implementing tools like BIM is continually important.

Hospitals are upgrading older facilities and the vast majority are funding renovations and expansions of current facilities. With 48% of hospitals focusing on renovation projects, firms are expected to incorporate the latest technologies. Having a trusted partner to perform the due-diligence and capture the reality of what you have to work with means cohesiveness of design and projects run smoothly. Read More