The Need for Responsive Environments: Bringing Flexibility to Clinic Spaces

Daniel Lu, Semiha Ergan, Devin Mann, Katharine Lawrence

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The number of outpatient care facilities (e.g., primary care clinics, pediatric care centers) in the US has increased 51% in the last decade, with significant technological implementations (e.g., electronic health records, telemedicine). These trends are compelling outpatient practices to improve their flexibility in providing care to meet this rising demand, including tailoring building spaces to changing needs of users (e.g., physicians, patients). Responsive environments can perceive their users' needs and interactions in spaces, the technologies they use, and provide mechanisms for prompt transformations of spatial features (e.g., size of space, furniture layout, and temperature). Previous research studies have developed innovative responsive environment applications such as context aware lighting systems and architectural robotics but have yet to address situations unique to outpatient clinic settings. This paper presents research findings from investigations with healthcare professionals that map out the needs for and challenges in transforming existing spaces for increased demand and technology assisted practice. This paper will also discuss the challenges and opportunities for implementing responsive environments, specifically highlighting major events of spatial transformations relevant to outpatient settings, such as detected user activities, relevant sensor and software systems, and transformed architectural elements and spatial features (e.g., walls, furniture, and lighting). Findings from this paper serve as a basis for frameworks for designing new outpatient clinic spaces and capturing requirements for responsive environments.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationConstruction Research Congress 2022
Subtitle of host publicationComputer Applications, Automation, and Data Analytics - Selected Papers from Construction Research Congress 2022
EditorsFarrokh Jazizadeh, Tripp Shealy, Michael J. Garvin
PublisherAmerican Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Pages812-821
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9780784483961
DOIs
StatePublished - 2022
EventConstruction Research Congress 2022: Computer Applications, Automation, and Data Analytics, CRC 2022 - Arlington, United States
Duration: Mar 9 2022Mar 12 2022

Publication series

NameConstruction Research Congress 2022: Computer Applications, Automation, and Data Analytics - Selected Papers from Construction Research Congress 2022
Volume2-B

Conference

ConferenceConstruction Research Congress 2022: Computer Applications, Automation, and Data Analytics, CRC 2022
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityArlington
Period3/9/223/12/22

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Building and Construction

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