Construction and Design - February 2013
Cultural sensitivity is showcased in international healthcare design
To be successful, healthcare facility design must be sensitive to the needs of its patients, including cultural and social needs. Four designers talk about projects done abroad.
2/26/2013
Outpatient facility design trends focus on flexibility, cost efficiency
As healthcare organizations pursue cost savings and market share, outpatient facilities continue to grow as a percentage of the facilities portfolio. Here are the top five outpatient construction trends to watch.
2/25/2013
Design industry seeks to standardize research efforts
Healthcare design organizations are interested in developing funding for further research and standardizing research findings in accessible databases.
2/22/2013
BIM for MEP drives efficiency in hospital project
By combining electronic surveying technology with building information modeling (BIM) and 3D models, the design-build mechanical contractor for large healthcare facility was able to prefabricate systems, saving time and money while improving accuracy.
2/21/2013
Free webinar touts use of antimicrobial copper in healthcare facilities
A free webinar March 12 at 1 p.m. Eastern will discuss the use of antimicrobial copper-infused surfaces in healthcare facilities to aid infection prevention.
2/19/2013
Design by assumption can prove deadly in behavioral health facilities
Psychiatric hospitals have their own design needs and do not necessarily benefit from the evidence-based design practices suitable for a general hospital.
2/15/2013
Overabundance of hospital beds drives admissions unnecessarily, study finds
A new study shows that capacity by itself can drive hospital admissions, with findings supporting limiting the number of hospital beds to actual population needs.
2/14/2013
Survey: 2013 healthcare construction focuses on renovations, upgrades
Healthcare organizations are putting off larger projects like new or replacement hospital construction in favor of focusing on renovations, technology upgrades and outpatient or ambulatory facilities.
2/14/2013
Healthcare construction market trends streamline design
Market trends are driving healthcare facilities design to focus on cost reduction and efficiency.
2/11/2013
Pros offer tips for Lean healthcare facility planning
The ongoing need to do more with less has led many healthcare organizations to adopt the principles of Lean management across the system, from clinical care to facilities planning.
2/11/2013
Crozer-Keystone Health System decentralizes to gain market share
At Crozer-Keystone Health System just west of Philadelphia, the vice president of facility planning and development has been leveraging community-based outpatient facilities to cater to the healthcare consumer's desire for choice and convenience.
2/7/2013
Trend toward outpatient facilities alters healthcare development, design
The trend toward using medical office buildings for higher-acuity care is likely to continue, so developers and designers will need to determine how the functional requirements differ from a hospital and plan accordingly.
2/7/2013
Benefits of green roofs inspire growing trend in healthcare facilities
As healthcare organizations continue to move toward more sustainable business models, with emphasis placed on energy efficiency and environmental stewardship, the popularity of installing vegetative roofs is likely to grow.
2/5/2013
Five resources for analyzing trends in healthcare flooring
There have been new trends in healthcare flooring over the past few years, as well as studies to determine how those trends are being implemented and to what effect. Here are a few resources for the latest on healthcare flooring options:
2/1/2013
Best practices for healthcare renovations, new construction
Healthcare architects have written tips and shared advice on how to make the decision between renovation and new construction a little easier, and there are many examples of best practices in both renovation and replacement. Here are just a few standouts.
2/1/2013
Design experts offer tips for integrating artwork into healthcare projects
Interior designers share some best practices learned while developing an art program for a major medical center.
2/1/2013