Releasing the potential of housing modification design through

Building Information Modelling

Rachel Russell MScOccupational Therapist and PhD

Candidate

Do you relate to any of the following…

Building Information Modelling (BIM) the new Buzz word

• Government is the single largest customer of the construction industry (40% of £110 billion)

• 20% saving• Sustainability agenda (Carbon

etc)• PERFORMANCE (not just form

and function)

• BIM to be used on all major public financed building by 2016

What is Building Information Modelling (BIM)

Benefits of BIM

Improved collaboration through visualisation

Improved building performance by analysing the model

Improved communication through the flow of information across the different stages of:-Design-Construction-Facilities Management

Therefore you reduce waste…

This got me thinking…In Theory OT’s play an important role in the design and delivery of housing modifications…why?

We use our knowledge to get the right fit between Person, Environment AND…

Graphical representation of person environment fitCarnemolla & Bridges (2011) based on Pope & Brandt (1997)

• Psychological and emotional stressors• Social support within the environment• Habits and roles• Design of the environment• Demands of the Occupation• Personal characteristics influencing the

capacity of the individual to interact efficiently with the environment (Mackenzie 2011)

…and OCCUPATIONTo support occupational Performance in the design process we consider…

Process Model for Designing Housing Modification (Bridges 2006, Reich 1991)

This got me thinking…• Research indicates

– We need to explore fully our client requirements during the design process (Fange & Iwarrson 2005)

– We tend to focus on a narrow definitions of Person, Environment fit parameters (Hocking 1999 and Heywood 2004)

– We lack the ability to effectively analyse how our recommendations will perform and support occupational performance (Palmon 2004, Bridges 2006)

– We lack the ability to compare different modification design solutions , which is an essential part of the design process (Palmon 2004, Bridges 2006)

– We should use 3D CAD analysis tools when planning and evaluating housing modifications (Eriksson 1996)

– We fail to adopt a collaborative approach. When we do collaborate the individual finds it confusing (Nord et al 2009)

Benefits of BIM for Housing Modification Delivery/Design Process

Improve collaboration through visualisation

- 3D walk through- Use of artefacts

Improve occupational performance by analysing the model

-Behaviour simulation-Pre-occupancy evaluation-Verification of design intent

Improve communication with the user and other professional s through the flow of information across the different stages of:-Design-Construction-Facilities Management

- All information remains in the model

- Specifications- 2D CAD drawings- Cost analysis- Understand the clinical

reasoning process- Training- Supervision

Are you all ready doing it?

- Design in 2D- Free text to capture

problems/needs- Visual simulation- Access to guidance

documents

- Access to product information

- Communication with other professionals

- Specifications

What next…

• Phase 1– Survey to understand the process – Case study for in-depth information

• Phase 2 – Expert focus group to develop a BIM “prototype”

with “Process”

• Phase 3– Case study to try it out!!!!!

…What next

• Participate in the Survey

• Spread the word of the survey

• Offer case studies• Be an expert• Trial site

To Conclude

• Does BIM have the potential to improve the design of housing modifications through supporting the OT design process?

• In the field of housing modifications we need to demonstrate what we do is “clinically” and cost effective

• Technology can be used to enhance what we do well (PEO fit)

• A housing modification is an invasive procedure – do your present processes support informed consent…?

Thank you

References• Heywood, F. (2004). "Understanding needs: a starting point for quality." Housing Studies 19(5): 709-726.

• Nord, C., P. Eakin, et al. (2009). "An exploration of communication between clients and professionals in the design of home adaptations." The British Journal of Occupational Therapy 72(5): 197-204.

• Palmon, O., R. Oxman, et al. (2004). Virtual environments as an aid to the design and evaluation of home and work settings for people with physical disabilities.

• Fänge, A. and S. Iwarsson (2005). "Changes in accessibility and usability in housing: An exploration of the housing adaptation process." Occupational Therapy International 12(1): 44-59.

• Eriksson, J., G. I. Johansson, et al. (1995). "A planning tool prototype for environment adaptations." Rehabilitation Engineering, IEEE Transactions on 3(3): 283-287.

• Bridges, C., P. Phibbs, et al. (2007). Identifying Barriers to Home Modifications. Sydney, Austrialia, The University of Sydney.