Today, Terrabkk will summarize the content from Connect The Dots Podcast by Khun Bas Patthar regarding New Design for New Normal: Concepts and Work Methods with Khun Poy from Atom Design. Let's explore what New Normal real estate for living looks like and how New Normal design will evolve.

How does the concept of new design play a role?

               In the past 2-3 years, we have seen projects creating public spaces that are more private, allowing for the division of common areas into smaller spaces with flexibility for adaptation. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated these developments. The design adjustments needed now to cater to people's health will focus on long-term development, enhancing projects to better align with people's lifestyles.

               In condominiums, large fitness areas may need to have partitioned zones or require cleaning equipment to be prepared before and after use.

               Regarding touchless technology, there have been some projects in the past, but currently, this is becoming increasingly important. Glass scanning or facial recognition will be used more frequently.

               Delivery services have become crucial recently, as people remain concerned about virus transmission in contact areas. Developers need to prepare cleaning areas for items before they are received, and mail rooms may need to incorporate cleaning stations.

Should common area designs include more open spaces?

               Air circulation is already a critical aspect of building design and interior spaces. However, the inability to create projects with good hygiene systems often stems from budget constraints or the perception that such features are merely gimmicks or selling points, rather than factors influencing buyers' decisions. Currently, hygiene considerations are increasingly becoming a key factor in purchasing decisions.

How will the design of interior spaces (for condominiums) change?

               Before COVID-19, Atom Design considered reducing kitchen sizes because data showed that half of urban condominium residents did not use kitchen spaces, especially electric stoves. However, the onset of COVID-19 led to the conclusion that we cannot reduce kitchen space, as more people began cooking during lockdown.

               Workspace areas have become a crucial factor in buyers' decisions. Many now believe that smaller condominiums may no longer be suitable, and there should be an expansion of rooms to provide more distinct spaces, including clearly defined work areas. In considering this, basic factors such as price, budget, and purchasing power must also be taken into account, which can be challenging. This has led developers to explore how existing spaces can be optimized to meet the changing behaviors of people post-COVID, where room sizes may not increase, but functionality becomes more significant.