Technology transforms real estate with human-centred design focus

Prioritising human experiences in real estate is crucial.

As technology advances, the real estate industry is changing how spaces are designed and utilised, with human experiences at the forefront, according to Emmy-Lou Quirke, Head of People Strategy, Growth & Innovation, Consulting for Asia Pacific at JLL.

"When thinking about technology and real estate, it's really important to think about the humans at the centre of all of it," Quirke emphasised. She noted that now, more than ever, there is a pressing need to consider how people interact with their environments, whether at work, in social settings, or at home.

One of the notable trends in the real estate sector is the growing demand for in-person experiences. Despite the rise of digital alternatives, people are increasingly seeking opportunities to connect and engage in physical spaces. "We are social creatures, and our human experience really matters to us," Quirke stated. This shift is driving investment in alternative asset types such as social living and entertainment spaces, which cater to the desire for shared experiences.

"There's huge amounts of data that we can use to inform how we design spaces to better suit people's needs, both from a work perspective, but also from an entertainment and living perspective," she explained. This data-driven approach allows for more nuanced and effective decision-making in the design and management of real estate assets.

For occupiers and investors, the ability to leverage technology for better decision-making is a game changer. "For the first time in history, we've got access to so many diverse data sets and tools," Quirke noted. This access allows stakeholders to more accurately anticipate and respond to the needs of people as they move through and within cities. 

Quirke stressed the importance of using available information to make informed decisions that will benefit future generations. "We can make decisions about who those people might be within that built environment in five years' time, in 10 years' time and beyond, and use those decision-making opportunities to actually design in sustainability."

Real estate companies have a responsibility to ensure that their developments are not only economically viable but also sustainable and adaptable to future needs. "We have a responsibility to think about how we can repurpose places," Quirke says, highlighting the need for forward-thinking strategies that prioritise long-term sustainability.