Session 2 / Singapore Live Program: Safe and Smooth People Flow When Re-Opening Tall Office Buildings

Santeri Suoranta
Head of Service Business, Major Projects
Individuals, Singapore

The global pandemic has transformed the way we work and do business: working from home, remote meetings, physical distancing, and restrictions on how people move around mean that office buildings will have to meet new expectations as they start to be reopened. Owners and facility managers need to proactively welcome building occupants back under new restrictions on physical distancing in public spaces. The restrictions reduce the number of people that lobbies and elevators can accommodate safely and hygienically, which will reduce vertical transportation capacity dramatically. To cope with it, tall buildings may need be operated with reduced populations, staggered entries and exits, as well as increased stair usage. It is critical that this amended vertical and horizontal people flow is planned thoughtfully to avoid crowding while managing the building entry process. State-of-the-art people flow simulation provides tangible metrics and high-quality visualizations that support in defining proper processes for a safe return to workplaces, building trust towards the people using the space. Smart elevator technologies can optimize passenger journeys to avoid crowded spaces, enable a touchless user experience, and ensure the adaptability of the building throughout its lifetime. All these considerations contribute to the health and well-being of individuals using tall buildings.