Uplifting Residential Design in the Pandemic Phase 2 — Are we ready yet?

Ar. Sumit Dhawan, Founder & Principal Architect at Cityspace’82 Architects believes that the buildings of the future need to be independent and self sufficient

- Sumit Dhawan

The fate of single homes and multigenerational residences has changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This unique situation the world has been thrust into has led to some major reconsiderations in terms of lifestyle and basic habitual changes for the common man. Public spaces like parks, restaurants, and movie theatres have adapted to the new normal while incorporating safety and sanitary measures. It is high time that such a shift is observed in the residential sector as well. It is especially relevant in India as the area per person, per square feet, is fairly limited here. Therefore, smart utilization of space needs to be addressed in the current times.

The connections we have with our residences have grown stronger over the course of the year 2020 and the first quarter of 2021. Such a mental-physical relationship between our homes and minds will persist well after the pandemic has subsided. Therefore, it is necessary that the layouts of one’s abode are adaptable. At the same time, certain areas of the house need to be designated for specific activities like working, studying, eating, and sleeping. The current situation demands a fine balance between multipurpose spaces and rooms with fixed functions. Else, the process may hamper the work life and personal life if this balance is disrupted. For instance, working from the bed is a faux-pas. The lines between office life and home life can be blurred, leading to faster burnout.