The challenge for the developer is to create and design attractive and profitable real estate that has a great impact on humanity.
BY ARTURO SAENZ*
The Covid-19 pandemic has reminded us that the role of developers of cities and real estate projects is of great importance at a time when health and well-being ask us to make new interventions in environments. The investigation of non-polluting construction materials, land use regulations and the construction of underground infrastructure are some examples of historical adjustments to improve our quality of life through healthy buildings.
The generation of well-being through the environments has to be complemented by promoting and motivating new habits such as improving diet, exercising weekly and seeking interactions that generate peace of mind. The challenge for the project developer is that, to create and design attractive and profitable projects that at the same time have a great impact on humanity.
The good news is that you don't necessarily have to create them from scratch. We can also realign the attributes of existing projects with the intention of offering environments that improve our health in the short term.
HEALTHY BUILDINGS, A REALITY
A few months ago we carried out a diagnosis of opportunities to generate well-being for a real estate project in the village of Sorá, in Panama. To analyze it, we made several visits to the place to explore, understand, and live the full experience. We also investigate the history and essence of the place.
In this project we find unique characteristics of healthy buildings. Among them: fresh air, pleasant weather, multiple scenarios to generate natural connection, and structures that promote outdoor activities. Undoubtedly, an innate place of well-being from its DNA. Topics such as “forest therapy” and its proven ability to boost the immune system when taking walks in the woods began to surface.
Other concepts, such as designing in favor of the circadian rhythm, promoting urban agriculture, designing houses that protect health, and complementing with elements of art, culture, and familiarity, began to be listed as a first outline for a future development strategy that also includes effective communication.
HOW TO GENERATE HEALTHY ENVIRONMENTS IN THE CITY?
Panama, throughout its entire territory, has many places with intrinsic well-being assets. But they do not necessarily become exclusive places of health generation. In fact, any project in the city, mountains or coast and of any residential, commercial or mixed use, have the opportunity to communicate, manage and promote healthy environments.
When talking about healthy buildings, it should be mentioned that a corporate office or a residential complex in the middle of the city have the opportunity to create their own protected environment.
There are international standards for the development of projects, such as the WELL standard, which offers a knowledge base and good practices for the implementation of healthy environments.
It is applicable for external and internal environments. This, because it guides the developer in the application of updated standards for ventilation, filtration and humidity control. Other guidelines must also be added to better manage water, mobility, peace of mind, light, comfort, nutrition, and the community environment.
WELFARE STANDARDS
Already in Panama there are several companies that are in the process of applying the welfare standards. In the case of companies, it is quickly understood, because it is proven that comfort, peace of mind, happiness and the management of healthy habits in collaborators increase productivity. In the same way, it lowers the incidence of diseases and reinforces the culture and message of senior management. All these benefits of healthy buildings are related to decreased administrative costs.
The pandemic has called on the real estate industry and it is our duty to adapt. We owe it to future generations. The best bet for the future is to build “well-being”.
* Arturo Saénz is an Engineer. He holds an MBA and is PMP and WELL AP certified. He has more than 25 years of experience in the development of real estate projects. He is currently the Executive Director of the company Synchro Projects and Solutions.
