Dossier "The Workplace Reloaded"

Supply delays, quarantine orders, bankruptcies: The COVID-19 pandemic has also impacted the construction industry, jeopardizing the completion of building projects. Many developers are asking themselves: Will my project be completed on time? Is it even worth building new office spaces if remote work becomes the long-term norm? One thing is certain: COVID-19 is influencing the planning, processes, and workflows of construction projects.

The coronavirus crisis has accelerated certain trends in the real estate market, turning assets that were perfectly viable in the past into liabilities. For property companies, it’s time to take stock and rebalance their portfolios in order to protect themselves against and prepare for any potential outside shocks in the future.

We may be some way off the new normal but there’s never been a better chance to shape it. The coronavirus has accelerated the pace of the ever changing requirements of our workplace, and we are now beginning to see a different kind of office environment starting to take shape. Workers who choose to go into the office will need to be able to tackle their most urgent tasks efficiently – otherwise, there are more options.

Sustainable buildings aren’t just energy efficient. They’re made from natural and recyclable materials, which means that they consume fewer resources and lead to employees feeling better about their workplace. On top of that, there’s a chance of achieving lower construction costs through leasing models or deposit-refund schemes.

Community-focused, flexible, smart and connected: Quartier Heidestrasse in Berlin is a forerunner of the smart urban district of the future. As well as being packed with technological innovations, it is designed to accommodate evolving lifestyles and new ways of working and getting around. It has made sustainability a central aspect of its design.