AI’s integration with BIM could usher in a new generation of future-ready healthcare facilities

As dusk settled over Bergen, Norway, the hum of construction echoed through a sprawling site where a revolutionary children’s hospital was taking shape. This was no ordinary project. Envisioned as a beacon of modern healthcare, the facility was not just designed to treat ailments but to optimize every square meter of space and operation, paving the way for a new era in hospital architecture. At the heart of this transformation lies an intricate blend of artificial intelligence and Building Information Modelling (BIM), technologies that promise to reshape the healthcare landscape.

Centralising data and optimising management across the building lifecycle

Managing the vast array of data generated throughout a healthcare facility’s lifecycle presents significant challenges. Traditionally, a fragmented approach led to miscommunications and inefficiencies, often resulting in costly delays and errors. Yet, this narrative is changing. The Nemetschek Group’s platform, dRofus, exemplifies efforts to create a unified data management solution that enhances collaboration across all stakeholders.

“The integration of AI into BIM technologies aims to eliminate inefficiencies and foster collaboration,” explains Dr. Elaine Kruger, an architect and AI specialist at FutureBuild Institute. “By streamlining data access, we empower teams to make informed decisions in real-time, saving both time and resources.”

• Centralised data management
• Real-time visibility across project phases
• Enhanced collaboration among stakeholders

A striking illustration of this principle in action can be seen in the Glasblokkene Trinn 2 project, where a digital twin modelled from dRofus’ database allowed stakeholders to access relevant data from the planning phase onward. This foresight not only enhanced collaboration but also averted the delays and errors that typically plague such projects.

Revolutionising hospital safety and regulatory compliance

Safety and compliance in hospitals are not just regulatory necessities; they are vital for safeguarding lives. The construction and design of these facilities must comply with rigorous standards, yet traditional inspection processes are often labor-intensive and outdated. Enter Imerso—an innovative platform that leverages AI, BIM, and reality capture to enhance safety inspections and construction oversight.

“By automating inspections, we have moved beyond manual checks that are prone to error,” shares Lars Jensen, project manager for Nyt Hospital Nordsjælland. “With Imerso, we were able to streamline compliance processes, leading to significant time and cost savings—even during a complex build.”

In fact, the implementation of Imerso at Nyt Hospital resulted in a staggering €5.2 million in estimated savings and a 15-fold increase in monitoring capabilities, all while reducing resource usage to an impressive 7% of previous levels.

Supporting healthcare’s rapid evolution

The integration of AI into healthcare infrastructure operates on a broader canvas, addressing not only operational optimization but also the pressing need for sustainability. With healthcare facilities contributing approximately 5% of global carbon emissions—8.5% in the United States, according to a study by the Global Healthcare Institute—the push for environmentally responsible design has never been more urgent.

The rise of sustainability mandates, such as the UK’s Sustainability & Transformation Plan (STP), has spurred hospitals to adopt environmentally friendly practices. AI technologies are proving critical in this endeavor. “By employing AI in the planning phases, we can run algorithms that simulate environmental impact,” remarks Dr. Nina Patel, a sustainability consultant. “This proactive approach equips us with strategies to not just comply with regulations but to elevate our environmental performance.”

Your hospital could potentially achieve a blend of efficiency and sustainability by focusing on:

• Virtual simulations for environmental assessments
• AI monitoring tools for energy optimization
• Predictive maintenance to reduce waste

A further trend observed is the shift towards decentralised care, bolstered by community-based facilities that enhance health service delivery. Technologies like dRofus and Imerso allow for efficient renovation and modular expansion of existing infrastructure, optimally using space and ensuring regulatory compliance without excessive delays or costs.

As the global healthcare ecosystem steps into an uncharted future, the role of AI in redesigning the building blocks of care becomes increasingly apparent. The synthesis of these technologies not only aligns hospital design with contemporary demands but also enriches the quality of patient care on a global scale.

Thus, the construction site in Bergen may well become emblematic of what is possible when modern technology meets healthcare demands—where every brick laid is a step toward a future that prioritizes resilience, sustainability, and unparalleled patient care.

Source: www.pbctoday.co.uk