2019 Trends in Healthcare Construction

An open hallway in the hospital | Brandt

2019 Trends in Healthcare Construction

Until recently, the construction industry has been slow to adopt new technology even though industry is undergoing constant development. Technology is becoming so advanced by the day, giving project teams the ultimate leg up. Many of these technological innovations have already started to be introduced with initiatives that revolve around medical centers and life sciences venues like research laboratories. Whether you are getting ready to break ground on a new building, or you are renovating an existing health facility, utilizing the right tools can make a significant impact on your bottom line.

If your next construction project is a medical office building, then make sure to have a firm grasp and understanding about the latest design-build technology. Many of these trends will help make your lives a lot easier this year:

Augmented/Virtual Reality:

Augmented reality (AR) makes the design process a lot more seamless. Supported by just a camera lens and advanced software, AR allows users to see what their real-world structure will look like in a three-dimensional shape. This will have a significant impact on the management plan as it gives project teams the ability to perfect their ideas before they officially break ground.

Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Building information modeling tools are a project manager’s best friend. BIM software helps project managers in every phase of the construction process. It provides a digital representation of facility being built. The models provides insights and functions that will aid in planning, design, and production stages of the project. This will help streamline just about design-build project.  

Laser Scanning:

Laser Scanning is becoming more and more popular, especially in existing building renovations.

Construction providers are using 3D laser scanners to create quick and accurate building designs. It also provides insightful data points in just a matter of seconds. This will help managers define accurate budgets, set appropriate timetables, and establish precise measurements during pre-construction planning.

Modular Construction:

There are two primary reasons why people choose modular construction services:

  1. Protection: Certain medical equipment will need an extra layer of protection. That’s where a modular skid is necessary. Modular structures are specialty storage units for chemicals, medical tubing, and other sensitive material. These are perfect solutions for infection control purposes.
  2. Speed and Convenience: The main reason people choose modular technology is for to speed up the construction process. Modular skids are prefabricated in a facility while the building is concurrently being built. This also allows for these systems to be built and tested in a controlled environment.

Cloud and Mobile Technology:

The cloud is one of today’s most powerful assets. As mobile technology continues to expand, the cloud will become increasingly critical. More and more construction managers will start to leverage information from cloud-based storage centers, making it easier to access data and instructions for any building assignments.  

Drones:

Drones will start to play more of a pivotal role in most construction projects. When engineering large building structures, drones will be flown with a BIM attachment to scan surface areas for precise and accurate measurements. This will significantly streamline the evaluation process and help engineers spot constructability issues early on.

Wearable Technology:

Wearable technology will start to play a substantial role during construction procedures. Expect to see a trend of construction employees sporting more smartwatches. This will help boost safety amongst the job site and make it easier for managers to monitor the progress of the construction project.