BEM-based multidisciplinary design supported by artificial intelligence for the creation of cognitive and sustainable smart hospitals

¹ Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
² Department of Technical Services and Heritage, Local Health Authority ASL Lecce, Italy
³ Local Health Authority ASL Lecce, Lecce, Italy
⁴ Italian Society of Environmental Medicine (SIMA), Milan, Italy

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Healthcare facilities are characterized by a high level of construction and management complexity. Digital transformation and the green transition (Twin Transition) require integrated, multidisciplinary design based on BIM (Building Information Modeling) and BEM (Building Energy Modeling). This study proposes a conceptual framework in which engineering design is integrated with the architecture of spaces and environments, focusing on the comfort of patients and healthcare staff. The study considers design from a holistic perspective that prioritizes efficiency, sustainability, and the humanization of care processes through multidisciplinary, systemic design based on BIM/BEM. This proactively integrates multiple design and management aspects: from the BMS (Building Management System) for monitoring all structural, performance, and environmental parameters, to continuous interaction with the hospital lifecycle through the use of AI (Artificial Intelligence) to optimize resource use in relation to the external environment, according to a One Health approach. The conceptual framework integrates engineering and architectural disciplines with ICT (information and communication technologies), AI, and VRA (virtual augmented reality), addressing the psychological, cognitive, social, and risk management aspects that influence the comfort, ergonomics, and functional adaptation of the structure to hospital users and the external environment.