In the five months since the pandemic-driven real estate shut downs began, the BD+C editorial team has authored or posted more than 135 articles dedicated to COVID-19 and its impact on the AEC market and the built environment. We’ve curated well more than 250 research reports, on-demand webinars, white papers, and articles from third-party sources in our coronavirus newsfeed. We’ve interviewed nearly two dozen AEC experts about their team’s and clients’ coronavirus response on our new streaming video show, The Weekly.
Through all of this reporting, a single common theme bubbled to the surface: Buildings are part of the problem in controlling a global health pandemic. Yet buildings—and the AEC professionals that design, engineer, and construct them—are also a major part of the solution.
From infection control strategies to 3D-printed PPE equipment to pop-up isolation units and COVID-19 testing stations, AEC firms are delivering practical, innovative solutions to complex problems during a time when their clients need it most. The axiom “innovation loves a good crisis” is playing out right in front of our eyes.
Not since 9/11 has a single event so severely rocked the foundation of the commercial building industry. As owners, developers, and property and facility managers scramble to re-open their properties and create protocols for maintaining safe and healthy interior spaces, they are turning to their AEC firm partners for guidance and support.
And much like the post-9/11 response from the AEC community, many of the best practices and innovations being instituted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic will become permanent fixtures in the built environment (codified, or otherwise).
Take, for example, MEP design, especially for commercial office buildings. Forget the fitness centers, food trucks, and spacious lobbies—the hottest office building amenities are indoor air quality and touchless design. Technologies and design approaches that were on the fringe—bipolar ionization, UV light disinfection, enhanced air filtration—are being pushed to the forefront. Clients are investing in these systems in an effort to retain and attract tenants. These design approaches have been added to the “cost of doing business” list for commercial office owners and developers.
One side effect of the coming MEP spending boom, says Andrew Horning, Vice President with Bala Consulting Engineers, is higher energy bills for building owners. He explains COVID-19’s impact on sustainability and energy efficiency in the July 23rd episode of The Weekly. Watch on demand at: BDCnetwork.com/horizontv.
Related Stories
Market Data | Aug 18, 2020
Nonresidential construction industry won’t start growing again until next year’s third quarter
But labor and materials costs are already coming down, according to latest JLL report.
Market Data | Aug 18, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: August 18, 2020
The world's first AI-driven facade system and LA's Greek Theatre restoriation completes.
Market Data | Aug 17, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: August 17, 2020
5 strategies for creating safer hotel experiences and how to manage multifamily assets when residents no longer leave.
Market Data | Aug 14, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: August 14, 2020
The largest single sloped solar array in the country and renewing the healing role of public parks.
Market Data | Aug 13, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: August 13, 2020
Apple Central World opens in Bangkok and 7-Eleven to buy Speedway.
Market Data | Aug 12, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: August 12, 2020
UC Davis's new dining commons and the pandemic is revolutionizing healthcare benefits.
Market Data | Aug 11, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: August 11, 2020
Elevators can be a 100% touch-free experience and the construction industry adds 20,000 employees in July.
Market Data | Aug 10, 2020
Dodge Momentum Index increases in July
This month’s increase in the Dodge Momentum Index was the first in all of 2020.
Market Data | Aug 10, 2020
Construction industry adds 20,000 employees in July but nonresidential employment dips
Association warns skid will worsen without new relief.
Market Data | Aug 10, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: August 10, 2020
Private student housing owners reap the benefits as campus housing de-densifies and race for COVID vaccine boosts real estate in life sciences hubs.