Mr. Visit Malaisirirat, CEO of Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited (MQDC), revealed that to reinforce the strategy of creating a good living environment for all lives, or 'For All Well-Being', MQDC presents a housing design approach that promotes the health and hygiene of residents and surrounding areas, reducing the spread and transmission of viruses and bacteria. MQDC collaborates with the Research and Innovation for Sustainability Center (RISC by MQDC) to unveil the 'COVID-Free Design' strategy, which focuses on health-oriented design principles that prevent the accumulation of germs and bacteria, in line with the MQDC Well-Being Standard. This initiative aims to mitigate health impacts on residents across all MQDC projects and reduce the risk of disease transmission since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“MQDC is committed to establishing a standard for real estate design that prevents the spread of germs, bacteria, and viruses, including COVID-19, to ensure good health and hygiene for all residents through our ongoing projects. Following the 'For All Well-Being' concept, we have partnered with RISC by MQDC to develop a housing design strategy that reduces outbreaks while sharing knowledge with society through the campaign 'The Secret of COVID-Free Design', which aligns with the MQDC Well-Being Standard. This aims to instill confidence in everyone, including residents and visitors to our projects, allowing them to live normally under the new normal,” Mr. Visit stated.

Associate Professor Dr. Singh Intrachuto, head of the advisory committee at the Research and Innovation for Sustainability Center (RISC by MQDC), stated that the principles of designing spaces for good hygiene in residential projects during the pandemic are very delicate. Therefore, we have accelerated the development of design strategies and innovations to reduce outbreaks in residences and communities, summarizing them into a clear guideline known as 'The Secret of COVID-Free Design', which consists of four main strategies integrated with the MQDC Well-Being Standard:

1. Disinfection Zone: Designing sterile areas in homes to trap and inhibit the growth of germs by specifying and designing various equipment to create sterile zones, such as a foyer with double doors at entrances and exits, installing air purifiers at entry points and in elevators to kill airborne germs and germs on surfaces that may be brought in on clothing or bags, as well as installing Antiviral & Allergy Free (AVA) carpets and other textiles that can inhibit germ growth. This innovation can trap and stop the spread of germs that may be carried in on shoes, thereby reducing their quantity and growth.

2. Smart & Touchless: Reducing contact significantly lowers the spread of germs. Designing spaces using innovations and technologies that minimize contact in various areas and activities involves the use of sensors and smart systems, including Facial Recognition for temperature scanning at entrances and exits, Automatic Doors to reduce contact, Sensor Faucets that operate automatically, Touchless Lifts using infrared rays, or Virtual screens with automatic disinfection using nanotechnology coatings.

3. Happy Working from Home: Designing individual living spaces to accommodate hygienic work-from-home arrangements, including ergonomic designs that support various postures of residents, a Disinfection Box for receiving and sending packages and food to disinfect boxes before they reach residents, as well as designs for comfort regarding temperature and air quality, such as reducing the impact of electromagnetic fields (EMF) and appropriate lighting designs that align with the circadian rhythm. Additionally, common areas are designated as Co-Working Spaces with good ventilation and maintained physical distancing to reduce risks. There are also Phone Booths to minimize noise interference and automatic food vending machines in residential areas for convenience during lockdowns.

4. Management Protocol: Establishing policies and practices under the framework and guidelines for preventing COVID-19 germs, which include Infection Prevention by announcing principles for germ eradication during the COVID-19 outbreak and proper cleaning methods for buildings. Measures for distancing to reduce the risk of germ transmission, as well as designs to minimize meetings and contact through various communication applications. We also have a policy to install city-level air purifiers, Fahsai 2, which not only purify air to reduce PM2.5 in public areas but can also eliminate viruses and bacteria. Cleaning standards are controlled, and concrete practices are announced when high-risk individuals are identified in the area. Waste Disposal: Every project is equipped with bins or devices for disposing of used masks, specifically red zip-lock bags to limit germs, to reduce the risk of germ transmission and ensure proper disposal.

“All of these elements are crucial components that MQDC and RISC have developed to align with health and wellness situations to promote the well-being of residents and communities, as well as to reduce the chances of contact and COVID-19 infection from daily activities within MQDC residential projects, ensuring that the areas within the projects are COVID-19 free and fully embody the concept of 'For All Well-Being',” Associate Professor Dr. Singh concluded.