As Covid-19 has spread across the country, people have begun questioning many commercial real estate trends that have become popular over the past decade.

Now some of these trends, such as open offices and flex workspace, are being viewed in some quarters as breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses.

But Dr. Aaron Bernstein, USGBC board chair and also the co-director of Harvard's Center for Climate, Health and the Global Environment (Harvard C-CHANGE) wonders if some people might be overreacting. "There are a lot of things that people are saying about current design thoughts, including about the open office, and whether urbanization and public transportation are good ideas," he says.

While Bernstein says these questions are coming from reasonable places, he cautions that people should not automatically discard these formerly popular design features because of the coronavirus.

"Does that mean we put everybody into small offices without windows?," Bernstein says. "What's the alternative? People are talking about ending public transit as we know it. They are proposing these sorts of black and white approaches."

Rachel Gutter, president of the International WELL Building Institute, is concerned that some of the temporary changes that are being proposed, such as people being stationed six feet apart in offices, could become permanent once there is a vaccine for the novel virus.

"I think that the ramifications of us going six feet apart and one-tenth of occupancy at offices have hugely negative implications for things like climate change, resourcing for organizations and urban density," Gutter says. "I'm not ready to say that those are good solutions, nor am I ready to say that they are even hopeful solutions."

Coworking also faces challenges, but it can be an excellent option for small businesses that can't afford larger scale offices.

"I do think that there are plenty of scenarios where coworking can make a lot of sense," Gutter says. "When we're not in the midst of an outbreak, there isn't going to be a great deal of danger. But there will be a great perception of danger. Understanding that perception is important in getting people re-acclimated to coworking."

Ultimately, Gutter thinks analysis will prove that open offices and flexibility aren't detrimental to health.

"I think coworking is sticking around," she says. "I think open offices are sticking around. I think handshakes and hugs are sticking around. But how long will it take until those things are safe and how much longer will that take until they feel safe are things that no one can answer right now." Still, Bernstein is encouraged that most people are increasingly looking to science as they figure out how to cope with and react to Covid-19.

"There is no better way to make a decision than having good data," Bernstein says. "Now, good data can be hard to get. But imagine if we understood the risks and benefits of open office design and the benefits for health with greater ventilation."

Instant Insights /

Let's Not Throw These CRE Trends in the Wastebin, Experts Say

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