Efficacy of Modular Design in Healthcare

Abstract

Modular design has become an industry leading philosophy for the future of community-based health services. Modular applied as a design principle subdivides a construction system into independently fabricated units, similar in size, shape, and functionality to formulate a structure. The benefits of this approach include time-to-build efficiency, cost-effectiveness, quality and precision, sustainability, continuity, and modification. This process contradicts traditional construction, pre-fabricating spaces off site to be assembled later. Modular architecture is historically correlated with hotel design and is still in its adolescent stage being integrated into hospice. Forward-thinking medical institutes and design firms have begun to experiment with modular design in their projects aiming to provide accessible healthcare in any context, however, discrepancies have surfaced. The complexity of a functional healthcare facility including circulation, adaptability, materiality, and utilities are being overlooked due to monetary hesitation, high demand, and standardized design. Modular healthcare design is still unpopular amongst manufacturers and firms. Through correlational research and simulation software, modular solutions and traditional construction methods can be compared using operational statistics. The purpose of this research is to study the efficacy of the designs proposed by the industry thus far in hopes to refine the process for a safer, enjoyable, more efficient, and replicable solution.