It is estimated that by 2020 over a million people in this country will suffer from symptoms of dementia. This has already been identified as a cause for concern; current care facilities are failing to meet necessary standards, with some considered to be unfit for purpose.

Whilst this creates new opportunities for building design, it poses many challenges given that dementia can develop in people as young as 40 and these new environments must cater for residents who cover all stages of the illness.  The fundamental principles of the design should include creating a home that is as much about comfort as it is function and making an environment that offers its residents familiarity and safety.

Whether residents choose to take their own furniture or move to a facility where this is provided, good space planning can be an important tool in creating personal spaces which can ease the problems associated with dementia. Simple things like placing the bed in view of the WC and creating a layout with clear walkways, free of clutter and obstacles can all ease the feeling of anxiety or confusion. Open shelving and storage spaces can also be of benefit in helping the resident’s recall where they left their possessions and ease their agitation if they can’t find them. Memory boxes in bedrooms and large, prominent photo frames are also hugely beneficial in triggering memories and providing topics of conversation between residents, carers and their visitors.

While we are used to planning hospital environments, it is important to remember these are homes being created, not hospital wards and the residents personal spaces must reflect this. Of course there are elements from hospital planning that will inevitably be necessary in care facilities of this nature but comfort, security and familiarity must always be a priority.

With so many new homes being built, it is feasible to refurbish existing properties, which fall below the necessary standards now recognised?

Can BIM benefit the Facilities Manager as well as the Designer?

The answer is most definitely yes!

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is much more than a design tool employed at the start of a project’s life. In fact, BIM is a process of building management that covers the entire lifecycle of the building, and can deliver major benefits throughout its’ operational phase.

Since occupancy and operations form the longest timeline in any building lifecycle, a Facilities Manager could receive a number of benefits by embracing the BIM process. I’ve summarised what I believe to be the key benefits below:

1. Communication

Centralising key data in a standardised BIM format improves communication, reduces response times, lessens wasted time searching for information, and makes communication easier between colleagues, consultants, contractors and suppliers.

By allowing other stakeholders instant access to the same information, with the certain knowledge that it is accurate and up-to-date, BIM enables the facilities manager to greatly reduce errors and minimise the level of misunderstandings.

2. Space Management

Allowing other departments (such as HR, mail rooms, accounts, etc.) access to real time building-related data ensures that the organisation can instantly track changes in layouts and staff movements. This reduces building vacancies and so helps to improve spatial efficiency.

Changes in space usage can also be identified and audited allowing the internal accounting functions to be kept accurate and up to date.

3. Energy Efficiency

Another benefit for the facilities manager is how BIM can help to improve the efficient use of energy. A BIM model can facilitate the analysis of alternative energy solutions that could dramatically reduce the environmental impact and operating costs of the building or estate in question.

4. Change Management

A well maintained “live” BIM model should provide a true reflection of the building, and can therefore be used with confidence when planning changes to layouts during the operational cycle of the building.

The BIM model’s 3D representation of the building makes communicating these changes easier to understand for the employees, suppliers and contractors, and provides better information about the existing condition of the building. In short, this reduces the usual uncertainty, providing more cost certainty before the works commences.

5. Costs and Budget Planning

It is also possible to store information in the BIM model regarding the life expectancy and replacement costs of various building components. This will assist the facilities manager or building owner to understand the cost benefits of investment in materials and management systems.

6. Existing FM Systems

Finally, remember that BIM models are not there to replace FM systems. In fact the BIM model can be linked to an existing FM system to provide accurate and complementary “real-time” data that makes asset management faster and more accurate.

To find out more about BIM visit our dedicated BIM webpages: www.cadesignservices.co.uk/bim