MQDC and RISC Unveil “COVID-Free” Residential Design
10 March 2021, Bangkok – MQDC with its Research & Innovation for Sustainability Center (RISC) has launched a “COVID-Free Design” strategy with anti-infection design principles. In combination with the MQDC Well-Being Standard, the new principles protect MQDC residents, reducing their risk of infection throughout the pandemic.
“MQDC is strongly committed to establishing design standards for preventing the spread of bacteria and viruses, including COVID-19,” said Mr. Visit Malaisirirat, CEO of MQDC.
“Under the 'For All Well-Being' concept, we have partnered with RISC to develop residential design to reduce the spread of the disease. We are ready to share insights through ‘The Secret of COVID-Free Design’ campaign for designing disease-free spaces so everyone, including residents and homebuyers, can live normally in the New Normal."
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Singh Intrachooto, Chief Advisor to RISC, said that space design principles to protect residents during a pandemic are crucial. RISC has accelerated its design and innovation strategies to curb transmission in homes and communities.
These measures are summarized as clear guidelines in “The Secret of COVID-Free Design”, which has 4 elements:
1. Disinfection Zone: Design for a sterile home area that prevents and eliminates pathogens with elements such as the foyer with an “entrance air purifier” and systems to kill germs in the air or on surfaces like clothes or bags. Antiviral and allergy-free carpets and home textiles can prevent pathogens breeding and stop germs from coming in with shoes.
2. Smart & Touchless: Space design applies innovations and technology to reduce exposure and transmission. The guidelines involve sensors and facial recognition with temperature measurement at entrances. Automatic doors and faucets reduce touch. A touchless lift uses infrared radiation with a virtual screen and automatic sterilization using nanocoating.
3. Happy Working from Home: Design of individual living spaces supports working from home with ergonomic design and a ‘disinfection box’ for receiving and delivering parcels and food. Design also ensures thermal comfort and good air quality, reduces electromagnetic fields (EMF), and provides lighting that suits activities and the circadian rhythm.
4. Management Protocol: Policies and procedures to prevent COVID-19 include principles of disinfection. Spacing measures reduce the risk of spreading pathogens through communication systems and applications. The policy covers the installation of the Fahsai 2 city air purifier, which purifies the air to reduce PM2.5 and eliminate viruses and bacteria.
“All these critical elements that MQDC and RISC have developed in line with health and wellness issues promote residential and communal well-being and reduce COVID-19 exposure and infection from day-to-day activities in MQDC residences to make project areas sterile, concretely realizing the concept of 'For All Well-Being',” said Dr. Singh.
Explore RISC’s work for well-being: www.risc.in.th
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