Sustainable Future-Proof Healthcare Facilities: Modular and Adaptable Design Approach
Publication: Journal of Management in Engineering
Volume 40, Issue 6
Abstract
The challenge of implementing industrialized construction to achieve sustainable future-proof healthcare facilities is not only about construction methods themselves but also about how to shift design methodologies. COVID-19 has raised the attention of research and practices in using modular design and construction for healthcare facilities. However, the lifespan and functional differences between general and emergency healthcare facilities mean that their sustainable design requirements are not exactly the same. Drawing from 27 interviews and design review sessions with 19 international groups of experts, this research proposes a modular adaptable hospital design (MAHD) approach based on the Open Building Concept (OBC). This includes an evaluation framework composed of five design categories and 23 subcategories complemented with a set of design guidelines and it concludes by identifying a future implementation pathway. This research extends the implementation of OBC through theoretical contributions for modular and adaptable designs and practical guidelines for future design implementation.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code generated or used during the study are proprietary or confidential in nature and may only be provided with restrictions.
Acknowledgments
This paper is derived from the first author’s unpublished master thesis at ETH, titled MAHD: Design and Construction Methodology for Future Innovative Adaptable Hospitals. Part of the content was published in the ASCE Construction Research Congress 2022. Many thanks to the interviewees and companies who participated in the process.
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© 2024 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Sep 26, 2023
Accepted: May 15, 2024
Published online: Aug 7, 2024
Published in print: Nov 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Jan 7, 2025
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Architectural engineering
- Architecture
- Building design
- Buildings
- Business management
- Construction engineering
- Construction industry
- Construction management
- Construction methods
- Design (by type)
- Engineering fundamentals
- Facilities (by type)
- Health care facilities
- Industrial facilities
- Modular structures
- Practice and Profession
- Structural engineering
- Structures (by type)
- Sustainable development
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