Using BIM to integrate and achieve holistic future-proofing objectives in healthcare projects

Future proofing (FP) as a proactive initiative for Asset Management is an urgent need against uncertainty, particularly in healthcare due to unforeseeable demographic shifts and rapid advances in medical technology. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is another initiative with profound impacts, but a rigorous analysis between them will indicate that a synergy exists. The aim of this study is to develop a classification ontology of the interactions between FP and BIM by considering the perceptions of healthcare construction experts. Interviews with 13 senior managers were conducted adopting the method of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and an interaction matrix of BIM capabilities for implementing holistic FP objectives has been developed. The outcome is a taxonomy analysis of 30 interactions with supporting empirical evidence which were further measured quantitatively. For benefits realisation in the context of BIM and FP, the industry experts recognise FP as a strategy that supports organisational and building performance. BIM drives towards lifecycle operation information and data maintainability via communicating the FP strategy from a whole-life perspective and ensuring knowledge transfer across all stages. Healthcare Operators and construction experts should be able to benefit from this taxonomy analysis as an aid to planning for FP throughout their BIM processes.