Abstract
Purpose: Western societies are currently facing major demographic changes, due to megatrends such as urbanization, ageing of the population, and migration. These disruptions place
a lot of pressure on public services, and consequently on municipal facilities including
schools, day-care centres, and hospitals. The purpose of this study is to examine the potential
of modular facility solutions to respond to these demographic changes and related facility
needs in municipalities.
Design/methodology/approach: The study focuses on a case study of one Finnish hospital
campus, where leased, modular facilities are in use. The facilities are analysed from the perspective of usability. The primary research data comprises semi-structured interviews of producer representatives and end-users. Observations during site and factory visits are utilized as
complimentary data.
Findings: Based on the findings, the prefabrication of the modules imposes some functional
limitations, although the facilities were found usable in their current use. In addition to dimensional and technical limitations, short lease periods and the recuse of the leased facilities
limit customization. Interestingly, issues such as architectural quality or poor image, were
irrelevant to the users. Instead, the users valued workplace comfort and support of work activities, which the modular facilities did provide.
Originality/value: The findings are useful to municipal real estate managers and decision
makers in their quest to provide the right facilities, in the right place, at the right time. Modular facilities could well replace a portion of municipal facilities, making the building stock
more adaptable to fast-paced demographic changes. Still, more collaboration between module
producers, end-users, and decision makers, is encouraged to further enhance the usability of
the modular facilities. This includes introducing an adequate level of customization, even if
that led to longer delivery time for the modules.
a lot of pressure on public services, and consequently on municipal facilities including
schools, day-care centres, and hospitals. The purpose of this study is to examine the potential
of modular facility solutions to respond to these demographic changes and related facility
needs in municipalities.
Design/methodology/approach: The study focuses on a case study of one Finnish hospital
campus, where leased, modular facilities are in use. The facilities are analysed from the perspective of usability. The primary research data comprises semi-structured interviews of producer representatives and end-users. Observations during site and factory visits are utilized as
complimentary data.
Findings: Based on the findings, the prefabrication of the modules imposes some functional
limitations, although the facilities were found usable in their current use. In addition to dimensional and technical limitations, short lease periods and the recuse of the leased facilities
limit customization. Interestingly, issues such as architectural quality or poor image, were
irrelevant to the users. Instead, the users valued workplace comfort and support of work activities, which the modular facilities did provide.
Originality/value: The findings are useful to municipal real estate managers and decision
makers in their quest to provide the right facilities, in the right place, at the right time. Modular facilities could well replace a portion of municipal facilities, making the building stock
more adaptable to fast-paced demographic changes. Still, more collaboration between module
producers, end-users, and decision makers, is encouraged to further enhance the usability of
the modular facilities. This includes introducing an adequate level of customization, even if
that led to longer delivery time for the modules.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | PROCEEDINGS EFMC 2017 |
| Publication status | Published - 2017 |
Subject classification (UKÄ)
- Other Engineering and Technologies
