XR in Healthcare Construction: Reducing Mockups, Rework, and Risk Through Immersive Design

Introduction: A Persistent Problem in Healthcare Construction

Healthcare construction is one of the most demanding sectors in architecture and design. The stakes are high. Clinical workflows, patient safety, and operational efficiency all depend on getting the space right. Yet many projects still rely heavily on physical mockups, 2D drawings, and late stage stakeholder reviews.

This leads to a familiar set of problems:

Costly rework after construction
Delayed approvals
Limited stakeholder engagement
Overbuilt mockups that don’t scale

XR (Extended Reality) including VR, AR, and digital twins, are emerging as a solution. But it’s still under leveraged.

What the Research Shows

Our research has revealed consistent patterns:

“Physical mockups are still the default, but they’re expensive, slow, and often built too late to influence design.”

“Stakeholders struggle to interpret 2D drawings. XR mockups allow clinicians and patients to experience the space before it’s built.”

“Projects where XR was used early saw a 40–60% reduction in physical mockups and faster design approvals.”

These findings point to a clear opportunity: XR can reduce mockups, improve feedback, and minimize rework. If used correctly and early.

Why Physical Mockups Fall Short

Physical mockups have long been used to validate design decisions. But they come with limitations:

High cost: $30K–$100K+ per mockup
Time-intensive: Weeks to build, days to iterate
Limited scope: Only a few rooms can be mocked up per project
Delayed feedback: Often built after key decisions are made

In contrast, XR mockups can be built in days, reviewed collaboratively, and iterated in real time.

XR as a Design Validation Tool

XR enables immersive design reviews that simulate real-world conditions. Using platforms like Unreal Engine, teams can:

Walk through patient rooms, ORs, and nurse stations
Test equipment placement and workflow
Experience lighting, acoustics, and spatial flow
Validate accessibility and safety features

This isn’t just visualization. It’s design validation.

“We’re not just showing spaces, we’re simulating them. XR allows us to test how a room feels, flows, and functions before it’s built.”

Reducing Rework and Construction Changes

One of the most compelling benefits of XR is its ability to reduce rework. By catching design flaws early, teams avoid costly changes during or after construction.

“In one project, XR helped identify a workflow bottleneck in the nurse station layout—before any walls were built.”

This kind of insight is difficult to achieve with static drawings or late-stage mockups.

Common Rework Triggers XR Can Prevent:

Misaligned equipment placement
Poor visibility lines for clinical staff
Inaccessible patient pathways
Inefficient storage and supply access

Digital Twins and Simulation

Digital twins take XR a step further. They allow teams to simulate:

Staff movement patterns
Equipment logistics
Emergency scenarios
Patient experience flows

This data driven approach helps optimize layouts and reduce errors before construction begins.

“Digital twins allow us to test not just the space, but the behavior within it.”

Stakeholder Engagement and Clinical Confidence

Clinicians, patients, and administrators often struggle to interpret architectural plans. XR gives them an understanding of the space leading to better feedback and fewer surprises.

Clinician involvement in VR hospital design improves clinical workflows
Patient centric design with immersive tech ensures comfort and accessibility
Stakeholder engagement with VR design builds trust and buy-in early

“When clinicians walk through a virtual OR, they notice things they’d never catch in a drawing. That feedback is gold.”

Implementation Best Practices

To maximize the value of XR in healthcare construction:

1. Start Early

Use XR during schematic design. Early immersion leads to better decisions.

2. Integrate with BIM

Ensure XR mockups reflect real geometry and data. Unreal Engine integrations with BIM platforms make this seamless.

3. Use High-Fidelity Platforms

Low quality VR leads to low quality feedback. Unreal Engine offers realism that drives better stakeholder engagement.

4. Combine with Physical Mockups Strategically

Use XR to reduce the number and scope of physical builds. Build only what’s necessary—after virtual validation.

The Cost Equation: Physical vs Virtual Mockups

Mockup Type	Avg. Time	Stakeholder Reach	Iteration Speed
Physical Mockup	3–6 weeks	Limited (1–2 rooms)	Slow (days–weeks)
XR Virtual Mockup	3–5 days	Broad (entire floor)	Fast (real-time)

“Virtual mockups don’t replace physical ones. They make them smarter.”

Conclusion: A Smarter Way Forward

XR is not a replacement for physical mockups. It’s a smarter way to use them. By validating designs virtually, teams can reduce mockup builds, improve stakeholder feedback, and minimize costly rework.

Healthcare construction is too important to rely on outdated tools. XR offers a better path forward, and the data backs it up.

FAQ

What is a digital twin in healthcare facility design?

A digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical space that simulates real-world usage, allowing teams to test workflows, equipment placement, and staff movement before construction.

How does XR reduce physical mockups in hospital construction?

XR enables immersive design reviews that catch errors early, reducing the need for multiple physical mockups and speeding up approvals.

Can clinicians and patients use XR to give feedback?

Yes. XR mockups allow clinicians and patients to walk through virtual spaces and provide feedback on layout, accessibility, and comfort.

References

Lu J, Fu C, Zhou T, Xie J, Loo YM. A Review of Physical and Digital Mock-Up Applications in Healthcare Building Development. Buildings. 2022; 12(6):745. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12060745
Tural A, Tural E. Comparative Analysis of Restorative Interior Design Elements: Screen-Based Versus Virtual Reality Evaluations for Future Medical Treatment Prospects. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2025; 22(1):44. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22010044
Chias, P., & echeverria valiente, ernesto. (2019). 3D MODELLING AND VIRTUAL REALITY APPLIED TO COMPLEX ARCHITECTURES: AN APPLICATION TO HOSPITALS’ DESIGN. Isprs Archives XLII 2 W9. https://doi.org/10.5194/ISPRS-ARCHIVES-XLII-2-W9-255-2019
Shultz, J., & Jha, R. (2021). Using Virtual Reality (VR) Mock-Ups for Evidence-Based Healthcare Facility Design Decisions. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(21), 11250. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111250
Dinis, S., Duarte, E., Noriega, P., Teixeira, L., Vilar, E., Rebelo, F. (2013). Evaluating Emotional Responses to the Interior Design of a Hospital Room: A Study Using Virtual Reality. In: Marcus, A. (eds) Design, User Experience, and Usability. User Experience in Novel Technological Environments. DUXU 2013. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 8014. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-39238-2_52

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