Scot Latimer, AIA, Kurt Salmon Associates Inc, Evergreen, Colo.
Meredith Spear, Kurt Salmon Associates Inc., Tucson

      The U.S. health care system is entering a new era of expansion characterized by explosive growth in demand. The current wave of change is being driven by fundamental and predictable forces-the population is aging and increasingly driving up demand, technology continues to advance, health care options are multiplying, and obsolescence is accelerating. These forces will place increasing strain on hospitals and health care facilities, leading to an eventual retooling and replacement of the system.

Learning objectives:

• Review the fundamental forces at work and the future for hospitals and related building types
• Evaluate benchmarks and specific data related to the future environment and facility requirements, enabling them to provide additional leadership and innovation
• Discuss the likely evolution of the health care system in coming years, including the demographic, political, financial, and technological drivers that will shape this giant industry.