Impact Of Covid-19 On The Design Industry
While the outbreak of novel coronavirus has already created disruptions for millions of people in the form of travel restrictions, health scares and stock market turmoil, it has been a rather unexciting time for most employees working in the architecture and design industry. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused industries across various platforms to halt production and strictly operate from home. As the situation continues to evolve, Mr. Gobind Kapur, Product Designer, and Partner at Maison Du Luxe recognize the responsibility to ensure the safety and wellbeing of customers, partners, employees and communities above all else. The product industry is severely affected as manufacturing units have closed down. With their factory shut they have no option but to work from home. Businesses are being forced to adapt to continue to support employees, customers and clients by providing flexible and innovative solutions in response to the challenging social climate created by the spread of COVID-19. They have implemented all the guidelines laid out by our government and fully support all its initiatives. Mr. Gobind believes that- “There are umpteen challenges that this crisis has brought along, but creative people adapt, plan and innovate and turn a bad situation into a learning point.” Ar. Abhigyan Neogi, Founder of Chromed Design Studio resonates with the fact that the industry has taken a hit and believes that the viral outbreak of Covid19 has brought the world to a standstill. Talking about the impact it has on the architecture industry he states- “Architecture is practiced on the ground so while building and working on a site you are physically present there and witness everything. Architects need to interact and meet to discuss a lot of things in person which is the core challenge posed by work from home.” Elaborating further he feels, “When everything around you is at a standstill, there is absolutely no scope for new architectural projects. A lot of architects are using this time to future proof their designs and investing their time to prepare after the lockdown is over. 30% of the architects are working and using this time to be well equipped when all this ends but for the rest of 70%, work has come to an abrupt halt since there is absolutely no monetary transaction. As the ongoing construction sites are shut, it will at least take 2 months to resume services especially for the labor class which has gone back to their hometown. After the lockdown is over it will take another 30 days to neutralize the whole premise for people to come back and resume work”. The major challenge for architects and designers during this pandemic is the inability to collaborate and work as a team. The lockdown period can be seen as an opportunity for the world to heal & come together as one single human race. Remember, we’re in this together!
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