BIM-based Design Strategies for Improving the Overall Quality of Healthcare Environment

BIM-based Design Strategies for Improving the Overall Quality of Healthcare Environment 基于建筑信息模型（BIM）的、旨在提高医疗环境综合质量的设计策略研究

Project Description
This research aims to investigate design strategies for healthcare environment in different contexts (i.e. China, UK, and Iran or other developing countries) from an integrated perspective. Previous research has shown that the healthcare environment has a major impact on patients and staff. As a result, evidence-based design (EBD) principles, basing decisions about the built environment on credible research to achieve the best possible outcome, have been widely used to inform the design of healthcare environment in some developed countries (e.g. USA, UK, Australia). Nevertheless, few studies have been conducted to understand whether (and how) EBD principles are taken into account in the procurement and delivery of healthcare infrastructure in developing countries such as China and Iran. This research intends to provide an insight into this based on a multi-strategy research framework. Findings ought to reflect the latest medical factors that integrate biological, psychological, environmental and social issues, and to recognise evidence-based sustainable design to strengthen healthcare outcomes on one hand and to meet sustainability agendas (such as energy saving and carbon dioxide reductions) on the other. This research also indicates that the further development and implementation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) can help stakeholders to use the evidence in an efficient way and thereby safeguard the overall quality of healthcare environment.

For more information about doctoral scholarship and PhD programme at Xi’an

Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU): Please visit http://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/admissions/phd.html

http://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/admissions/phd/feesscholarships.html

Requirements
The candidate should have a first class or upper second class honours degree, or a Master’s degree (or equivalent qualification), in Architecture, Building Engineering, Urban Planning and Design, Social Science or a related disciplines (ideally with work experience/qualification or interests in healthcare built environments). Preference will be given to applicants who have knowledge of Building Information Modelling (BIM), and skills of conducting focus groups, interviews and questionnaires, etc. Candidates must have effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills and experience of delivering presentations.

Evidence of good spoken and written English is essential. The candidate should have an IELTS score of 6.5 or above, or an equivalent qualification, if the first language is not English. This position is open to all qualified candidates irrespective of nationality.

Supervisors
Principle supervisor: Dr. Bing Chen (Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University)
Co-supervisor: Prof. Stephen Sharples (University of Liverpool, UK)

Contact
Please email [Email Address Removed] (principle supervisor’s email address) and copy [Email Address Removed] with a subject line of the PhD project title

Degree
The student will be awarded a PhD degree from the University of Liverpool (UK) upon successful completion of the program.

How to Apply
Interested applicants are advised to email [Email Address Removed] (principle supervisor’s email address) the following documents and copy [Email Address Removed] (please put the project title in the subject line).

• CV

• Two reference letters

• Personal statement outlining your interest in the position

• Proof of English language proficiency (an IELTS score of above 6.5 or equivalent is required

• Verified school transcripts in both Chinese and English (for international students, only the English version is required)

• Verified certificates of education qualifications in both Chinese and English (for international students, only the English version is required)

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr. Bing Chen ([Email Address Removed]), whose personal profile is linked below, http://academic.xjtlu.edu.cn/upd/Staff/Bing-Chen

Studentship requirements
The scholarship holder is expected to carry out the major part of his or her research at XJTLU in Suzhou, China. However, he or she is eligible for a research study visit to the University of Liverpool of up to three months, if this is required by the project.