COMMENT It’s the phrase of the moment, but “building back better” has to be more than words. And Covid-19 has focused minds like never before on how to design buildings that genuinely meet the needs of stakeholders in a world where the virus may be around in some shape or form for a long time to come.
These are tough times for many in the property sector. But the opportunity to deliver real social impact through building design for the communities of tomorrow is unlimited. Irrespective of the virus’s future direction, I suggest there are five key design pillars that should be used to create places where people want to visit, work or live.
Long-term vision
Companies need to have a long-term vision for how their buildings will serve stakeholders in the future. Build-to-rent residents are likely to have long memories of the pandemic and will want more space and light, whether in their living quarters or communal areas.
As a provider of community medical centres, Assura will have to continue to factor into its building design the needs of an ageing population, such as providing enhanced accessibility, as well as how to address the concerning trend of rising health inequality in the UK.
Wellbeing
Covid-19 has affected the mental health of people of all ages, and irrespective of how long the virus remains with us no property company can now ignore the impact of a building’s design on wellbeing.
Across most property sub-sectors, from offices to residential and healthcare, this will encourage provision of larger open spaces with more plants, grass and trees in a way that helps to optimise our wellbeing.
Investment
Sustained changes to how buildings are designed will require significant investment if the property industry is to make a meaningful difference.
The reality is that wholesale change will not come from one source alone. That is why it will be critical that the public and private sectors continue to work together to deliver the best possible outcome for stakeholders.
In the healthcare sector, local and national government and the property sector will all play a part in delivering the physical infrastructure we’re going to need for the vision of care described in the NHS Long Term Plan and informed by the health service’s learnings through the pandemic.
Smart buildings
All property companies, covering sites from residential to industrial, will need to embrace technology in their design or face being left behind.
The healthcare sector is combining remote consultations and diagnosis with face-to-face care, and while Covid-19 has undoubtedly put a turbocharger under this trend, we have been planning for this and testing the way that clicks and bricks must work together for some time.
Technology provides the capability to ensure that rooms in community medical centres are being used efficiently, helping patients move around the site and supporting staff in matching appointments and needs to the right part of the facility.
Sustainability
Embracing the use of sustainable materials in building design and reducing energy consumption is, of course, the right thing for us all to do. However, a building’s sustainability rating will increasingly dictate not only a reputation and market value among investors and fund managers, but also among the building’s users, who are likely to factor in how closely property owners match their sustainability values in their decisions.
Jonathan Murphy is chief executive of Assura
