The spread of COVID-19 has led to increased uncertainty and distress. With people being strongly advised to follow social distancing protocols, the government has focused on controlling the spread of illness by restricting travel and work. This has impacted every industry, including architecture, construction and real estate ones. The use of technology and computers has become prevalent within our personal and working lives; organizations are quickly changing to succeed and compete against those that were born digital. Workspaces are no longer seen as physical office spaces, but are conceived as a digitally connected workforce with the ability to work and communicate from any location at any time.

The digital workplace can be described as an organization that provides its workforce with the technology and environment to communicate, innovate, collaborate and work effectively to achieve their business objectives. There are three aspects to this change that come as an advantage to the industry-

Safety

With a massive reduction in face to face meetings, discussions and collaborations, the exposure to the virus reduces tremendously. Virtual and real-time facilities have made numerous aspects such as labour management and site supervision convenient. Usually, when an architect visits a site, it involves an interaction with approximately 15 people, including labour, supervisors, clients, vendors etc. This makes everyone prone to the virus, hence increasing the risk. Now, everything happens virtually over platforms like Zoom and Google Meet, thereby reducing exposure and enabling smoother communication. 

Convenience

Every time a client or a contractor visits the architect, a set of drawings must be kept ready for ease in explanation, presentation and communication. With a significant advantage of cloud computing- every drawing and detail is available under one database and holds a range of people in the loop. This also assures complete transparency, saves time and allows for convenience in communication. Real-time inventory management- sites in the construction industry has become easy to control and administrate with the advantage of Augmented reality and virtual reality, whilst promoting safer working environments. 

Acceptance

Advancements in technology existed even before the pandemic, but were restricted to particular industries. As the pandemic surfaced, everyone was forced to rely on technology and discovered how helpful it could be in professional working. The AEC industry has struggled to keep up with various aspects such as qualified worker shortage, growing competition, shrinking margins, higher risks and health and safety advisories. All these aspects affect the growth of a project in various ways. To complete the project safely, in time, and profitably- technology and its acceptance have played a key role. Advancements such as BIM have made it very convenient for planning and coordinating a project. 3D printing has also become an opportunity to help convey designs and construction drawings conveniently.