Engineering Experts Weigh in on How COVID Will Alter Space

Washington, DC, June 30, 2020-A roundtable of engineering industry experts said Thursday that COVID-19 will force retrofitting of existing buildings, and future building design measures to enhance post-pandemic safety and comfort for occupants. “The Buildings We Live and Work In” is the second in a three-part virtual roundtable series sponsored by the ACEC Research Institute. More than 100 participants from throughout the nation tuned in as four industry leaders offered perspectives on what society’s new normal means for existing and future commercial, high-rise, education, residential and healthcare buildings.

Panelists included Dino DeFeo, managing partner, AKF; Peter DiMaggio, co-CEO, Thornton Tomasetti; Arathi Gowda, associate director, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill; and Kate Wittels, partner, HR&A Advisors. Joseph Bates, ACEC Research Institute, was moderator.

Roundtable topics included possible fundamental shifts in where we work and live, how future building design must address “new normal” requirements, and its impact on workplace culture and practice.

To watch a replay of “The Buildings We Live and Work In" roundtable click here.