September 12, 2024
Virtual construction & technology, Healthcare

Construction on the new Community Health Network hospital and medical office building in Westfield, Indiana, is progressing. On September 6, 2024, the Mayor of Westfield and the Westfield Chamber of Commerce toured a special job site area.


This tour was unique because Pepper and the Guidon design team used a creative mix of an "old school" life-size cardboard mockup combined with virtual reality experiences of key spaces. Affectionately called “Cardboard City,” the mock-ups allowed the medical staff to collaborate in person with the design and construction team. This led to powerful conversations and the sharing of ideas to further enhance the buildings' design before it was complete.
 

Pepper Construction, Healthcare, Construction, Community Health Network, Westfield, Hospital, VR, Virtual Reality

The Pepper Virtual Construction team supplemented the life-size mock-ups by using virtual reality to highlight the operating room, neonatal intensive care unit, medical/surgical unit, intensive care unit and C-section rooms. At the tour, there were posters with QR codes that guests could scan to view the experiences on their phones. 

Operating Room (OR)

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Hospital, ICU, Pepper Construction, Community Health Network, Westfield, VR
Hospital, C Section, Pepper Construction, Community Health Network, Westfield, VR
Hospital, Med Surge, Pepper Construction, Community Health Network, Westfield, VR
Hospital, LDRP, Pepper Construction, Community Health Network, Westfield, VR

It was an exciting morning to show the Mayor of Westfield the ideation phase of this community-driven project. The finale was a surprise as the tour ended outside, featuring a special augmented reality view of the new tower that will be positioned between the two existing buildings.