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Auction industry survival depends on going virtual
Joff van ReenenCovid-19 drives new trends in local property market
Marcél du ToitA bright horizon for South Africa's energy landscape
Barry BredenkampAchieving developmental goals through construction
Cyril Vuyani Gamede5 sustainability trends that will shape business in 2021
Christelle Marais4 trends set to continue or be re-interpreted in the NGO sector
Innocent MasayiraStrengthening NPO skills and processes
Nazeema Mohamed, Feryal Domingo and Soraya JoonasSustainability is key for social investment in 2021
Keri-Leigh Paschal4 trends in employee skills development and training you need to know for 2021
Siphelele Kubheka and Desikan NaidooDigital solutions need small steps to succeed
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Ralf HenneckeMining's year ahead will demand deep innovation
Frederick Cawood10 predictions around fintech
Dominique CollettThe 4 themes for the new year
Andrew Duvenage,3 wealth management trends to watch in 2021
Maarten Ackerman4 strategies to rethink investing in SMEs
Kuhle MnisiMicroinsurance ready to reach new heights
Marius BothaFinding alpha in the age of Covid-19
Nema Ramkhelawan-BhanaPurpose or profit. It's not a choice
Mike MiddletonShifting towards a digital - but still human - approach
Henry van DeventerHealthcare innovation in 2021 and beyond
Reynhardt UysAre day hospitals the new trend?
Lee Callakoppen3 emerging medical scheme membership patterns
Nerine BrinkHealthcare innovations to look out for
Moshe Lichtenstein5G is coming. Here's what it could mean for SA
Samantha Naidoo3 wide-ranging issues demanding legal attention this year
Jonathan Veeran, Nozipho Mngomezulu and Burton PhillipsWine in the wake of corona
Kristen Duff and Gosia Young7 prospects and necessary shifts for the arts
Rucera SeethalTech democratisation will set the tone for 2021
Andrew Smit and Johan WaltersA challenging year anticipated for SA retailers
Tasmika RamlakanA bold year for beverages
Alex GlendayThe rise of D2C
Michael SmollanAcceleration of digital payments
Jonathan SmitSafety vs sustainability - the packaging industry's key conundrum
Nthabiseng MotsoenengThe evolving e-tail landscape
Vilo TrskaThe path forward for retail in 2021
Matthew Leighton
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#BizTrends2021: Re-thinking our approach to providing student housing in 2021
During the last year, South African students faced some of their greatest challenges yet. On top of the usual academic pressure and issues of affordability, many were forced to leave their on-campus accommodation and adjust to an entirely new style of learning. Across the board, these conditions are not conducive to academic success - especially for those living in under-resourced or stressful home environments.
John Schooling, director, STAG African |
Pandemic-proof
In the same way that buildings are designed with fire-safety in mind, even though there is never intended to be a fire, pandemic-proof aspects will become non-negotiable given the certainty of future outbreaks. This cannot be achieved through tacked on and ad hoc contingencies, but will require innovative, intentional design aspects. For example, residences that limit personal interactions, functional quarantine living quarters, and providing space for a live-in nurse when required.
Technology and education
Spurred on by the rapid integration of technology and learning during the Covid-19 lockdown, technology has become increasingly inseparable from learning, and this trend is guaranteed to continue. In the near-future, students won’t just need Wi-Fi on site, they’ll need Wi-Fi with fast download and upload speeds for video lectures and online tests. This also ensures they can remain connected to friends and family across the country in uncertain times – a vital aspect of coping during stressful times.
Designing student housing to manage spread of Covid-19, future pandemics
As university students return to campus in a strictly controlled and phased approach, those living in on-campus accommodation will have to adhere to strict hygiene and social distancing measures...
Flexibility
2020 has taught that flexibility and adaptability are key to survival, and it is imperative that we apply these lessons to our buildings. It is no longer sufficient to build solely according to the minimum norms and standards since these don’t take into account the need for flexible spaces that can evolve over time. In order to design for a future that we know nothing about, we need to think beyond square metres and focus on functionality – sometimes students will require communal workspaces, and other times they might require isolated spaces. It is in our best interests as developers, as educators and as a country to leave room for future uncertainties.
Affordability through sustainability
The pandemic has had a long-term impact on the spending capacity of universities and students alike. Affordability – already an ongoing issue in terms of South Africa’s student accommodation crisis – will continue to be a key factor. It is crucial that affordable housing is made available. This doesn’t mean cheap – rather, it means building accommodation that is high-quality, but uses innovative methods to reduce construction and lifecycle costs. This includes sustainable aspects, such as grey water systems, energy-saving lightbulbs and recycling programmes, which can reduce operating costs considerably.
About John Schooling
John Schooling is the founder and MD of STAG African - a multi-dimensional green property development, student accommodation and renewable energy group.Don't miss BizTrends2021 - 8 keynote speakers forecast trends shaping business in our region! Register now!
Read more: student accommodation, John Schooling, on-campus accommodation, Stag African, COVID-19, COVID-19 lockdown