Konrad Krusiewicz on Touchless Technology and Post-Pandemic Office Design
The coronavirus and months-long isolation have made us think and wonder how many people and objects we come into contact with every day. Will these experiences mean that a new, touchless era now awaits us? Are we ready for it?
The fact that we have finally started thinking about these aspects is, in my opinion, something we unfortunately owe to the unfortunate situation that has affected the whole world. The pandemic has indeed made us aware of how often we come into contact with dirt, germs and bacteria. The pandemic has therefore only accelerated the arrival of the era of touchless technology. I also believe that for now we are not yet ready for it – at least not in private life. In the first instance, we will expect it from public spaces, including office spaces. This in turn will accelerate decisions by many companies to introduce such touchless solutions in offices, galleries, urban spaces, etc.
Can the modern, touchless technologies and systems currently available truly help us in the difficult fight against the pandemic? Will they become widespread in workplaces, on streets, in shops and finally in our homes? How can they be used in practice?
They will certainly support us in maintaining hygiene and its everyday upkeep. We will also feel safer and more confident thanks to them. It is also fantastic that touchless solutions can be introduced in virtually every aspect of the usable space surrounding us. All things related to the use of toilets, kitchens, lifts, i.e. touchless door opening, choosing food from a menu in restaurants via QR codes, the aforementioned electric taps – there really is a lot of it.
You design office spaces. What modern solutions do you think are worth applying in offices to limit the spread of the virus?
There really is quite a lot. Touchless technology can be encountered right at the entrance to a building. Passages through gates can be equipped with technology that will identify the user through contactless elements, phone identification, facial recognition algorithms, etc. The system implemented in the building calls a lift programmed for the appropriate floor. In the case of a guest, they no longer need to meet the receptionist – they can use a virtual reception controlled from their private phone. Another important solution is the ability to control all office systems from the phone – air conditioning, lighting, conference room service, workspace reservations anywhere in the office.
How do you convince investors to invest in modern, touchless technologies?
Above all, by presenting the long-term perspective and benefits arising from touchless solutions, i.e. for example ultimately a healthier work environment, a healthier community in the office, which will therefore be more efficient at work.
Interview by: Ewa Kozioł
