Hines and Cushman research virus spread in offices with Well Living Lab

According to both firms, it is hoped the findings will help advance the return-to-workplace guidelines in response to the global Covid-19 pandemic.

Based in the US, the research will include applications and tests in corporate offices in the US and internationally, including the UK and Europe.

A collaboration of Delos and Mayo Clinic, the Well Living Lab is adjacent to the Mayo Clinic campus in Rochester, Minnesota. It plans to use its configurable Living Lab office space to generate insights and evaluate technologies for reducing the risk of respiratory virus transmission in work environments.

Living Lab
Rich in sensor technology and highly configurable, the lab is designed to simulate a number of indoor environmental settings. Cushman & Wakefield will contribute their expertise in workplace strategy and design practices, including protocols for maintaining physical distancing policies and other concepts for returning to offices.

Delos will contribute expertise in air filtration strategies for reducing particulate matter concentration, surface hygiene protocols, algorithms designed to remediate indoor environmental concerns, and software to promote occupant adoption of behavioral changes necessary to support healthy environments.

Hines will contribute industry experience with thought leadership and management expertise from many of the firm’s key leaders in development, engineering, innovation and property management across product sectors.

'We know that buildings have a tremendous impact on our health and well-being, and the role of indoor spaces has now become more important than ever,' said Paul Scialla, Delos founder and CEO. 'As we contemplate reopening our offices in the wake of Covid-19, it is critical that we take an evidence-based approach to make our workspaces safer when we return.'

Return-to-workplace guidelines
To advance return-to-work guidelines, the Well Living Lab will leverage its field study capabilities for interventions in Cushman & Wakefield’s and Hines’ offices, along with Delos’ global headquarters in New York. Hines is currently identifying which of its 500 properties will prove useful for the study. Collectively, the information gathered from all participant sites will be
aggregated to inform the continued advancement of guidelines.

'We look forward to this continued collaboration with Delos and the Well Living Lab as we work together to promote a safe workplace as offices reopen,” said Brett White, Cushman & Wakefield Executive Chairman & CEO. 'We’re planning to demonstrate scientific, evidence-based studies to our ongoing product innovation as we help our clients prepare for the coming recovery.'

Hines CEO Jeff Hines commented: 'Our people have been pioneers in creating progressive real estate that advances the built environment, so joining this effort is a natural way for us to give back, while continuing to anticipate and meet the needs of tenants, clients and investors.'