Prefabrication is transforming how we design and deliver buildings, especially in healthcare, where speed, precision, and minimal disruption are critical. By manufacturing components such as walls, mechanical racks, and entire rooms off-site in a controlled environment, prefabrication reduces on-site construction time, enhances quality, and allows for more predictable project outcomes.
Prefabrication has long been part of the architectural toolkit. In the early 20th century, it was embraced as a way to rapidly construct housing and infrastructure, offering a faster and more economical alternative to traditional construction.
In modern healthcare design, prefabrication enables quicker delivery of essential facilities, reduces waste, and significantly cuts down on noise and disruption in active medical environments. It also contributes to higher construction quality, as materials are assembled in optimal conditions, unaffected by weather or site constraints.
For architects, prefabrication creates opportunities to reimagine the design process. Early prototyping, tighter coordination with consultants and contractors, and a more sustainable building lifecycle are all part of the value proposition. Prefab is not just a construction technique, it is a catalyst for better-performing, more resilient healthcare environments.
Migena Dilolli, Associate Principal and Healthcare Design Leader, brings deep expertise in the design and integration of prefabricated systems into healthcare settings. At Roper St. Francis Berkeley Hospital, she led the design team in leveraging prefabrication to expedite construction and minimize disruption to the active hospital campus.
This case study demonstrates how thoughtful integration of prefabrication can streamline project delivery and enhance patient-centered outcomes. To learn more about Migena’s work and how prefabrication is shaping the future of healthcare design, download the presentation below or reach out directly.
