As we move through 2024, the landscape of healthcare construction is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements, changing patient needs, and a growing focus on sustainability. At The Highland Group we understand we must stay abreast of these trends to deliver projects that meet the modern demands of healthcare providers and patients alike. Here are some key trends shaping healthcare construction in 2024.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of tele-health services, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, tele-health usage has stabilized at levels 38 times higher than before the pandemic (McKinsey, 2021). As a result, healthcare facilities are increasingly being designed with tele-health in mind. This includes the integration of advanced IT infrastructure, private tele-health consultation rooms, and spaces that facilitate remote monitoring and diagnostics.
Modular construction is gaining traction in the healthcare sector due to its efficiency and flexibility. This method involves prefabricating sections of a building off-site, which are then transported and assembled on-site. According to a report by Dodge Data & Analytics, modular construction can reduce project schedules by up to 50% and costs by up to 20% (Dodge Data & Analytics, 2020). This is particularly beneficial for healthcare projects that require rapid completion to meet urgent demands.
Sustainability continues to be a major focus in healthcare construction. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) highlights that healthcare facilities are increasingly pursuing LEED certification to demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility (USGBC, 2023). Sustainable practices include the use of energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, and designs that promote natural light and air quality. These measures not only reduce the environmental footprint but also create healthier environments for patients and staff.
The need for healthcare facilities to adapt to changing circumstances has never been more evident. The Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) notes that flexible and adaptable spaces are becoming a standard in healthcare design (SCUP, 2022). This includes multi-functional rooms that can be easily reconfigured, modular furniture, and infrastructure that supports rapid changes in technology and patient care requirements.
The integration of advanced building technologies is revolutionizing healthcare construction. Building Information Modeling (BIM) and virtual reality (VR) are being used to enhance design precision and collaboration. A report by MarketsandMarkets predicts that the market for BIM in the construction industry will reach $8.8 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 13.2% from 2021 (MarketsandMarkets, 2021). These technologies enable more accurate planning, reduce errors, and improve overall project outcomes.
Modern healthcare facilities are placing a greater emphasis on the patient experience. This includes creating environments that are not only functional but also comforting and aesthetically pleasing. The Center for Health Design emphasizes the importance of evidence-based design principles that enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction (Center for Health Design, 2023). Features such as healing gardens, soothing color palettes, and noise reduction measures are becoming standard in new healthcare constructions.
As healthcare construction continues to evolve, general contractors must be proactive in adopting these emerging trends. At The Highland Group we have experience in tele-health readiness, modular construction, sustainability, flexible spaces, advanced building technologies, and patient-centered design, this has allowed us to successfully deliver state-of-the-art facilities for our clients that meet the needs of today’s healthcare providers and patients.
By staying informed and adaptable, general contractors can ensure they are at the forefront of delivering high-quality, future-proof healthcare facilities.
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The Highland Group is a premier real estate development and commercial construction firm, offering expertise in various services such as preconstruction, general contracting, construction management, and design-build delivery. We are on a mission to develop leaders with high standards that make a positive impact on our company and the communities where we operate by fostering trust and building exceptional projects.
Proudly serving clients across the Southeastern US since 2005, The Highland Group has established offices in three locations: Gulf Coast Region (501 South McKenzie Street, Suite 2, Foley, Alabama, 36535), Tennessee Valley Region (1300 Meridian Street North, Suite 300 Huntsville, AL 35801) and Florida Panhandle Region (130 Richard Jackson Blvd., Suite 104A, Panama City Beach, Florida, 32407). Find out more about us at www.TheHighlandGroup.com.
Sources:
- McKinsey & Company. (2021). Telehealth: A quarter-trillion-dollar post-COVID-19 reality? Retrieved from (https://www.mckinsey.com) - Dodge Data & Analytics. (2020). Prefabrication and Modular Construction 2020 SmartMarket Report. Retrieved from (https://www.construction.com) - U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). (2023). LEED in Motion: Healthcare. Retrieved from (https://www.usgbc.org) - Society for College and University Planning (SCUP). (2022). Trends in Flexible and Adaptable Spaces. Retrieved from (https://www.scup.org) - MarketsandMarkets. (2021). Building Information Modeling Market by Offering, Project Lifecycle, Application, End-User, & Region - Global Forecast to 2026. Retrieved from [marketsandmarkets.com](https://www.marketsandmarkets.com) - Center for Health Design. (2023). The Impact of Evidence-Based Design on Patient Outcomes. Retrieved from (https://www.healthdesign.org)
