Architect Insights: Implications and Barriers of Future-Proofing Hospitals

Abstract

Aim: This study explores how future-proofing is understood and applied in hospital building design, focusing on the perspectives of experienced architects. It aims to examine the practical implications of future-proofing and to identify key barriers to its implementation within contemporary healthcare infrastructure projects. Background: Existing literature often focuses on the general benefits, such as cost savings and sustainability, but lacks detailed analysis of the multifaceted implications and obstacles encountered in real-world projects. This study addresses this gap by directly examining architects’ perspectives, offering critical insights into the practical realities and complexities of future-proofing hospital buildings, thereby contributing to a more nuanced understanding and informed decision-making in this field. Methods: Sixteen semistructured interviews were conducted with experienced hospital architects based in Australia. Data were analyzed using a combination of deductive and inductive thematic analysis. Results: The results of thematic analysis have been categorized under three overarching categories: perceived benefits, perceived drawbacks, and implementation challenges. The findings highlight that future-proofing is neither inherently beneficial nor burdensome, but rather a context-sensitive strategy that must be tailored to each project's evolving operational, economic, and policy. Conclusions: The study underscores the need for more systematic, longitudinal evaluation of future-proofing strategies, as well as greater integration of advanced futures methodologies into healthcare planning and design processes. A more structured and evidence-based approach to future-proofing can support the development of hospital infrastructure that is both resilient and responsive to the long-term evolution of healthcare systems.