Confusion by Design - What next?
Ar. Satyakam Garg
All of a sudden the design community is worried about sustainable design, pandemic hot topic, after the lockdown scenario etc.
Another Smart City type situation I will say. We all know how many smart cities we have created since 2012 when discussions started.
To be realistic, failure of cities in current situation for effective containment and secured safety of remote villages without any positive cases brings out the future of design. You will understand this if you study the real world happenings as things are going around.
Architectural design will not be actually contributing to future as such. So what will it be?
Understand it clearly that in future we will focus upon something which I call *PERIMETER CONTROL*.
Technology already exists for implementation. It will need to be upgraded to counter spread of infections. Mostly biotech based sensors with IT enabled systems will be used. Let us see what these technologies will be:
1. At State / district level RFID based entry exit points will be made smart with additional temperature sensors.
2. Your unique ID will become a smart card. May be like a wearable band in future.
3. In high rise buildings you will see more secured turnstiles entry with cameras and biosensors.
4. Attendance biometrics systems will be upgraded with biosensors to detect sick people.
5. BMS will be modified with bio sensors and infection threat alarms.
6. HVAC systems will start using magnetic charged HEPA filters to maintain hygienic conditions by capturing and killing infection agents.
7. Security agencies and security systems will see a massive increase in business participation. That is where training will be in high demand.
8. Level of Service (Fruin) factors will be revised across mass assembly landuses like metros etc. As a result design requirements will change.
9. Companies will need to start providing better residential facilities for workers.
10. Hospitality industry will see changes as additional screening measures wil be needed.
The above are only certain things which I can think of now. Being a member of NFPA and FM Global, I foresee these on cards. Apart from that BICS may change standards affecting food related industries world wide.
This is where now designers need to focus. If Indian Architects and industry professionals do not learn from this, there will be again foreign expertise coming to India.
Focus on standards. It is not like getting a liasoning person taking care of submission with BMC.
People are busy right now in fighting the virus, but trust me work is already on upgrade of global standards.
Thank You.