A computational bim-based spatial analysis method for the evaluation of emergency department layouts

Bayraktar Sari, Aysegul Ozlem ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4067-9552 and Jabi, Wassim ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2594-9568 2026. A computational bim-based spatial analysis method for the evaluation of emergency department layouts. Presented at: European Healthcare Design 2026, London, UK, 15–17 June 2026.

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Abstract

Emergency departments (EDs) are complex, high-pressure settings where spatial layout directly influences operational efficiency, clinical decision-making, patient experience, and staff well-being. Despite the central role of spatial configuration, healthcare design practice still lacks integrated, data-driven tools capable of evaluating spatial performance directly within Building Information Modelling (BIM). Current approaches typically rely on exporting geometry to external analysis software, resulting in fragmented workflows, data loss, and limited applicability to early design decision-making. This study addresses these limitations by presenting a BIM-based computational workflow that embeds spatial network analysis within the design environment to support evidence-based evaluation of ED layouts. The workflow integrates Revit, Dynamo, Python, and the AVA spatial analysis library to analyse accessibility, visibility, connectivity, and privacy. Spatial graphs are automatically extracted from BIM geometry and used to compute a suite of spatial metrics, including step-depth, metric distance, connectivity, integration, visual integration, visual choice, and isovist-based measures. To reflect real operational conditions, key patient and staff pathways—including entrance–waiting–triage–treatment and ambulance-to-resuscitation routes—are modelled to assess how spatial configuration shapes movement, communication, and situational awareness. Applied to two contrasting real-world ED floor plans in the UK, the workflow demonstrates how corridor alignment, room clustering, door positioning, and sightline interruptions significantly affect movement efficiency, wayfinding clarity, staff visibility, bottleneck formation, and patient privacy. Comparative results highlight that small geometric variations can lead to meaningful differences in travel distance, depth from entrance, visual control of critical spaces, and the protection of sensitive patient areas. The BIM-native implementation enables rapid iteration and scenario testing, eliminating repetitive import–export cycles and ensuring fidelity between design intent and analytical output. Embedding spatial analysis directly into BIM offers a scalable, transparent, and repeatable approach for evaluating ED layouts. The workflow enhances early-stage design exploration, supports evidence-based investment and planning decisions, and strengthens post-occupancy evaluation by linking performance insights back to the digital model. By integrating spatial reasoning, healthcare design knowledge, and computational modelling, this research contributes a practical method for improving the design and redesign of emergency departments. It also establishes a foundation for future integration with digital twins, simulation models, and machine learning to support continuous performance monitoring and adaptive healthcare environments.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item - unpublished
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Architecture
Subjects:	N Fine Arts > NA Architecture
Related URLs:	https://www.europeanhealthcaredesign.eu/
Last Modified:	22 Jun 2026 14:00
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/187648

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