DISCUSSING WELLNESS IN THE HOME POST-COVID

Our panel discussion during Dubai Design Week examined how design and technology can adapt our homes to support professional productivity and physical and mental resilience in a new era of hybrid working.

Three high-profile panelists discussed topics inspired by Aritco’s short trend report Redefining Wellness Post-Covid, produced in collaboration with Springwise, at a talk at Downtown Design during Dubai Design Week 2021.

David Schill from Aritco was joined by Isabel Pintado, Senior Vice President of Design and Innovation, Four Season Hotels and Resorts,  and Lina Benaissa, Senior Designer at L.S. Design. The talk was moderated by design journalist Pratyush Sarup, Content Director of Architectural Digest Middle East who has a background in architecture and interior design.

The panellists agreed that in light of the pandemic, we will never look at our homes in the same way again. They have become multi-purpose spaces that need to function as an office, school and gym, so design has to work harder to offer both productivity and privacy which is critical for good mental health.

Homes need to support socializing beyond the family unit, but also cater to all members of the family. Technology can help, but it needs to be right technology.

Aritco’s homelifts gives access to every room in the home to every member of the family

Although technology has undoubtedly kept us sane, increased our sense of empathy and allowed businesses to continue to function during lockdowns, the panellists agreed that we need simplified yet smart technology in our homes that can pre-empt our needs and moods. They discussed how clients and consumers are now demanding high-tech homes that are highly adaptable and that can support fitness as well as mental health.

They also touched on the evolution of new materials, apps and devices that will sustainably keep our homes hygienic and germ-free long after we have dispensed with screens, masks and gloves.

After the talk, Vera Dieckmann, Creative Director and Founder of XO Atelier also discussed how lighting and site-specific artworks can support wellness in the home.

Four Seasons has taken a holistic approach to embedding wellness into all its hotels and residences