Why don't we design and build hospitals with separate shell and core and fit out contracts?

Question

If this approach was adopted would this allow greater flexibility in the later stages of a project without trying to forecast the likely medical technology and patient requirements many years before completion. It works for commercial offices.

ANDREW THOMAS · Answer

Good Question Tom.
Not sure i agree with the Commercial Office Comparison. Of course most Hospitals are specialist, even those branded as General Hospital are purpose built with specific end users in mind.

Major New Hospitals take years of Planning Tom, and i cant see anyone cracking on with a Shell and core without knowing precisely what medical services will be provided and what equipment will be installed. Fair point about technology advances but i am working on a major hospital just now and i see little difference in the major kit or shielding requirements from Hospitals i worked on with you 20 years ago.

Personally I find building shell & core offices very simple, while Hospitals are at the other end of the scale. Co-ordination is everything, from builders work co-ordination to pre-loading floors to allocating time for Tower crane use. Cannot imagine how difficult all that would be with two seperate main contractors.

Its a thumbs down from this old builder Tom.

Why don't we design and build hospitals with separate shell and core and fit out contracts?

Design-and-build

fitout

hospitals

shell-and-core

Tom Spilsted

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