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October 2017 — Health Care Properties Quarterly — Page 15
Optimization
of virtual reality is revolutioniz-
ing how end-users can experience
spaces while the design is still in
digital format. Virtual reality is a
computer-generated simulation of a
3-D image or environment. It allows
the viewer to immerse themselves
within the space, attaining a holistic
understanding of spatial relation-
ships. VR has the ability for full body
motion tracking to test work flows
and experience real-time adjacen-
cies of the work spaces, rooms or
even entire floors. Other sensory ele-
ments such as sound can be incor-
porated into the experience.
As virtual reality is advancing,
there is the ability for multiple
users to experience the spaces
concurrently and discuss design
successes and what may need to
change. It is an exciting time in
the advancement of this technol-
ogy and impacts on planning and
design.
Functional efficiency is essential
in today’s health care facilities. It is
important to start the design pro-
cess with accurate quantitative
and qualitative information. This
can only be obtained by thorough
evaluation of existing operations
and future stated goals by those
who ultimately use and maintain
the facility. Once this information
is garnered, it is important that end
users can visualize how the design
meets their stated objectives. This
helps ensure the built version is
delivered as anticipated. Operation-
al and planning expertise coupled
with digital technology go hand-in-
hand to assist health care organiza-
tions optimize their facilities.
Through our evolution of health
care design processes over the
past 40 years, we believe we must
adapt to meet contemporary project
delivery methodologies, includ-
ing embracing technology in our
processes. At the same time, we
continue to rely on traditional
methods, including deliberate and
engaging conversations with cli-
ents, to ensure successful design
outcomes.▲
VR allows for the experience of real-time adjacencies of work space spaces.
ing owners can allow for a greater
tenant diversity.
Another health care practice influ-
encing MOB design lies in the com-
petitive arena of pharmaceutical
drugs and the rising popularity of
patient online ordering for prescrip-
tions. Places like King Soopers and
Walgreens are becoming more cost-
competitive in their supply of drugs,
and online services where patients
order 90-day supplies of their pre-
scriptions are eliminating the need
for doctors to store drugs on-site.
With doctors downsizing or remov-
ing their supply of prescriptions all
together, MOBs do not require as
much storage space, and the need
for retail space to sell prescriptions is
eradicated.
Incorporation of Outside Industry
Designs
In an increasingly competitive
health care market, providers are
incorporating best practices and
building designs from industries
outside health care to improve the
patient experience. One emerg-
ing trend includes the influence of
the hospitality industry on health
care designs like MOBs. Accord-
ing to the International Journal of
Hospitality Management in a study
called “Hospitality healthscapes:
A conjoint analysis approach to
understanding patient responses to
hotel-like hospital rooms,” high-end
material finishes and hospitality-
certified health care staff were the
two greatest influences on patient
choice for places to receive medi-
cal care. The study also found that
patients that need more extended
care are willing to pay, on average,
13 percent higher out-of-pocket
expenses for hotel-like hospital
rooms.
The hospitality industry also has
influenced the design of the lobby
or waiting room in MOBs. Design-
ers are now moving away from
the typical harsh/sterile designs
to a more “warm and cozy” atmo-
sphere with waiting rooms reflect-
ing lounge areas typically found in
hotels. Large couches, fireplaces,
oak flooring and softer lighting are
finding their way into the lobbies of
MOBs to reflect a more nonmedical
design. One example of this can be
seen in the Colorado Springs Health
Partners’ facility designed by RMG,
where the MOB design contained a
central check-in station with com-
fortable seating, soft lighting and
more open space so that patients
are not crowded into one small
waiting room.
Although the health care indus-
try is tied to the uncertain political
climate, the demographics of baby
boomers, technology advancements
and a greater focus on patient pref-
erences will continue to influence
the design and construction of the
growing MOB market. ▲
Moore