The webinar was opened by Chut Cuerva, with his presentation on the strategies that developers are implementing to address the challenges brought about by building density. He presented some notable examples of the latest innovations and sanitation protocols for office space to reduce the risk of spread of diseases such as :

• Strict implementation of face mask and thermal scanning
• Contactless entry via automated revolving doors, keycard turnstiles and destination dispatch elevator system
• Turnstiles with integrated thermal scanning
• Touch-less infrared buttons and self-sanitizing materials on elevators
• Self disinfecting door handles or automated doors on washrooms
• Antimicrobial coatings on high touch surfaces
• A keycard access panel can be used to control the number of people occupying the space for outdoor areas

Chut gave emphasis to the importance of having solid protocols for buildings to respond quickly to an outbreak. According to him, “Perhaps this is a good time to reevaluate and regulate for better standards for everyone.

Janlo de los Reyes followed with his discussion on the real estate market overview and forecasts post-COVID-19 landscape. He presented research results on how the impact of  the pandemic to the performance of the real estate sectors.

“We are anticipating a more competitive landscape down the line as we see supply completions get pushed further in the next 3-5 years at the same time we are anticipating that a lot of the landlords right now are going to revisit their current building design and reflect the learnings that we have over the course of this pandemic which means a greater focus on wellness and safety”  – said Janlo.

Janlo highlighted bright spots to look forward to beyond the current pandemic which includes the following :

• The recovery in China which may hint a path of recovery for the Philippines and other markets
• Build-up in pipeline transactions in the second half of the year
• REIT as an attractive investment instrument
• The rise of a digital economy as a lot of companies are now more open about the use of technology

Also according to Janlo, “W” shape is the most  likely recovery scenario for the Philippines. “W” shape or volatile recovery will run for 12-24months. He explained,“because we may see an uptake in terms of the performance of the economy in the short-term, especially as we resume our work. But nonetheless, we do anticipate a bit of setback along the way which may again stall our progress in terms of our recovery.”

Ame Engelhart focused her discussion on creating healthy buildings and highlighted the significance of healthy cities. Ame mentioned that one of the biggest contributors to having unhealthy cities is the density of travel. “It’s not just that we spread the virus around the world on airplane but the density of travel for commuting to work everyday. Besides home, transportation is the second greatest element in the transmission of the disease. “  – Ame said.

Ame also shared about the advantages of Poly-Nodal cities comprised of compact self-sustained communities which includes reduction of transportation time and pollution and that contact and trace within a more compact community is more viable than if people are all over town on a daily basis.

She presented several building strategies to improve risk reduction management  and particularly highlighted the importance of having more natural ventilation and access to sunlight as the solar impact to viruses has been looked at and proven high performing. According to her, buildings have to be the secret weapon in the future to combat infectious diseases.

Talking about the strategies building solutions and strategies she added, “It’s not one size fits all nor it is all or nothing. People don’t all have to go back to work at the same time, I think we’re going to be living with more flexible work strategies, partial work at home, and staggered work hours for a very long time. And that can do other things for people’s quality of life, while also improving the urban environment.”