Envisioning the Future of Healthcare Construction through Virtual and Augmented Reality – Mile High CRE

By Lina Stinnett, VDC Director, JE Dunn Construction

For an industry undergoing drastic change, the ability of healthcare employees to be adaptable iscrucial, as are the facilities in which they work. The flexibility of these buildings addresses healthcaresconstant evolvement over time and responds to the changing needs of the workforce, patients, andtechnology integral to a healthcare facility. In response, collaborative construction partners are turningto innovative technologies like Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) to transform theirhealthcare clients futures. As it relates to construction, the healthcare industry has seen invaluablebenefits from both of these applications. These tools help validate the constructability and usability ofcrucial specialty spaces by immersing all team members in the process. JE Dunnhas embraced the use ofVR and AR in the construction of healthcare facilities, most recently at Parkview Medical Center in Pueblo, ontheir new Orthopedic Hospital and Cancer Center projects.

Similar to many technological advancements, there were reservations about VR and AR being introduced tothe construction site. Yet, when team members and staff personnel were trained on the technology andbecame comfortable using it to its full potential, their mindset changed and quickly became advocatesfor leveraging these technologies to help achieve the desired end product.

JE Dunn began implementing VR and AR into the process of healthcare construction at Parkview MedicalCenter in 2018 during the expansion and renovation of the emergency department. Now, the projectteam is utilizing the technology for the third time on the main Parkview campus for their new CancerCenter. While these functional exercises have altered and developed over time, the results havemaintained certain and offered value to the Parkview client.

The best use of Virtual Reality begins during the design phase when the project team is still collaboratingon the evolving design. Multiple user groups including owners, doctors, nurses, architects, and facilitiesstaff have been able to fully immerse themselves in their respective spaces and provide early, real-timefeedback for the design documents prior to design completion. Augmented Reality acts similarly toVirtual Reality, only later on during the construction phase where more groups are involved like keymechanical and electrical trade partners, for example. With the use of a mobile device and the ARapplication, end users can utilize the BIM (Building Information Modeling) model to visualize theiroverall space and equipment layout within its actual physical space at the project job site. This helpsvalidate that the design is being constructed the way it was intended to be per consensus from the entireproject team. Both processes bring unique groups together into one setting during the various phasesof design and construction, to ensure harmonious and accurate construction of the facility that meetsand exceeds the clients expectations.

JE Dunn Senior Superintendent, Tony Scovel states, Prior to using these applications, end-users wouldhave to go off of construction documents or a full-scale mock-up to envision what their space wouldlook like. Prior to completion, its difficult for them to understand the relationship between the majormechanical and electrical systems, millwork, and equipment. The VR and AR capabilities let end usersvisualize how equipment, furniture, and millwork fit in the room, allowing JE Dunn to capture anydeficiencies that may need to be adjusted. This saves time and cost on any modifications, especiallywhen the project is in the middle of installing final finishes.

The value of these applications extends past design and construction, as JE Dunn has also experiencedtheir relationship grow and become stronger with the Parkview Medical Center team. JE Dunn worksdirectly with the medical staff during these exercises to ensure proper placement of furniture andequipment and for the ability to understand the clients needs for the facility.

Reverse mentorship has also been a major opportunity for growth at JE Dunn. The VR and AR presenceat Parkview and other healthcare facilities is a great way to apply reverse mentorship to maximize ateams talents. Much like the hospital staff, technology was a foreign language to superintendentsand project managers who have become accustomed to doing most of their work manually or by hand.

The current generation entering the workforce embraces new technology as it is second nature to them.This up-and-coming, technologically-innate generation has connected with the experiencedsuperintendents and project managers to create a working partnership that enhances the overallexecution of a project.

Being able to envision and virtually walk through their spaces before construction is complete has beena game-changer to many healthcare facilities and their professionals. With ever-evolving changes in thehealthcare industry, the adoption of AR and VR will continue to improve all facilities, not only for ownersand their staff, but for all members of their respective communities who benefit from these hospitalsand the services they provide.

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Envisioning the Future of Healthcare Construction through Virtual and Augmented Reality - Mile High CRE