GENERATIVE DESIGN SYSTEM FOR HOSPITAL RENOVATION PROJECT

Abstract

Singapore has one of the world’s most efficient healthcare system. However, behind this façade is a strained healthcare caused by high admission rate, coupled with longer hospital stay. Like most developed countries, Singapore is also facing a tight labour market and an ageing population adds to the growing evidence that medical demand has outpaced the supply of medical infrastructure creating the severe bed crunch situation faced by many hospitals.

To support the ageing population, the government increased the budget for the development component for healthcare sector. However, as Singapore subscribes to the Roemer’s Law which proposes: “a bed built, is a bed filled”. Building more hospital may not be the right direction to resolve the “bed lock” situation. Instead, healthcare planner can look to innovative means such as refurbishment to improve the facility and achieve the required needs. In order to do so, there is a need for rationalisation for a flexible healthcare infrastructure and it is the responsibility of the Facilities manager to ensure that the renovated space can meet the desired outcome.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is recommended by many professional as its parametric ability to create simulations facilitates decision-making process and stakeholder buy-in. Amid its benefits, the application of BIM in a renovation project is undermined as there are not many successful implementations for owners to draw any conclusion from. Therefore, without a defined strategy to adopt the BIM model, it is unable to display its full potential in renovation projects to entice clients to implement this application. In conclusion, the objectives of this research is to conceptualise BIM as a virtual tool that can evaluate possible flexible infused design before construction takes place through a case study.