The Evolution of Human-Centricity in Design and Construction

Managing Director, Adam Smith, explains how the right drainage system will not only enhance quality of life for occupants, but also maximise profitability for building owners in Technical Review Middle East:

Since the oil boom in the early 1970s, the GCC member states have thrived. Their rapid population growth, affluence, abundance of natural resources, and diversifying economies, have created an attractive prospect for investing, working and living. Consequently, cities in the region have realised the pressing need to meet the growing market demand in a safe and sustainable way.

Focus in the construction industry has therefore shifted. Maximising speed and minimising costs are no longer the sole driving forces. Creating human-centric buildings and neighbourhoods that enhance quality of life has become a top priority for those operating in the industry. And with 30% of homeowners willing to pay more for such spaces, achieving this can greatly enhance sales price, capital value, and client satisfaction.

The question is, how can we enhance safety and comfort while simultaneously maximising ROI?

According to the World Health Organisation, ensuring safe and reliable drainage systems is “a simple public health measure which is often overlooked, but can be addressed at minimal extra cost.” The right drainage systems can significantly reduce the transmission of infectious air-borne diseases and the spread of hazardous fumes such as ammonia and methane. 

Properly designed drainage systems are engineered to minimise the risk of leaks, eliminate odours, and reduce the build-up of harmful bacteria and pathogens. In office spaces, the resulting improvements to indoor air quality can generate substantial long-term financial gains. In one study, a 90% improvement in indoor air quality resulted in approximately 40% of employees feeling more productive, along with lower levels of sick leave. 

But air quality is not the only way in which drainage can impact productivity in the workplace. Distracting noises decrease productivity by up to 60%, while also increasing the risk of stress, headaches, high blood pressure, and even strokes. Despite the role of acoustic comfort in drainage often being overlooked, ignoring it can be detrimental to the value of your property. 

Acoustically engineered systems, such as Polypipe Middle East’s Terrain Q, are specifically designed to retain the sound of water within the pipe by acting as a sound absorbent against shocks and vibrations. Multilayer technology creates a durable, fire resistant and insulated network of pipes made from mineral-reinforced plastic. The innermost layer is treated with anti-fouling properties to minimise encrustation build up, preventing sudden changes in flow direction that can increase the propagation of noise. Through innovative engineering, Terrain Q limits noise levels to just 20dB - equivalent to a whisper. 

High-performing systems like Terrain go the extra mile to enhance the surrounding indoor environment. It's important to acknowledge that a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach is rarely successful in construction. A smarter approach is to collaborate with suppliers that deliver fit-for-purpose systems, whose value extends beyond the product. Bespoke suppliers offer a 360-approach, from planning and design through to installation, operation, and maintenance. Present in very stage of the process, they can offer optimisation solutions such as maximising lateral space and boost property values.

Specialised solutions are even more essential when it comes to high-rise and super high-rise buildings with their unique architecture and project requirements. Renowned for its abundance of skyscrapers, the GCC faces frequent challenges when constructing buildings this tall, one of which being the supply and management of water. The taller the building, the higher the water pressure in places, and the greater the need for specially designed, durable water supply and plumbing systems. Compromising on quality in such instances runs the risk of failures, with the potential to damage the building, endanger occupant safety and tarnish the developer’s reputation.

Human-centricity is leading the way forward in design and construction, with a focus on high-quality, bespoke solutions that place health and safety at the core of plans for urbanisation. Developers cannot simply wait for a disaster to happen to make a change. Prevention is in fact the best protection and selecting the right drainage solution for your specific needs is just one way the construction industry can protect public health.

To find out more about our Polypipe Middle East bespoke, fit-for-purpose solutions, contact our technical team today. 

Tel: +971 (0) 4 518 3000

Email: middleeast@polypipe.com