Chronicling the pandemic

As COVID-19 swept across the globe, it created an unprecedented impact on every aspect of life, from our homes to our workplaces. Recognising the need to capture and reflect on these extraordinary times, we initiated a research project aimed at chronicling the personal and professional experiences of those involved in shaping the built environment.

We asked contributors to record short videos, using their phones, talking about the impact the pandemic has had on their lives and the long-term changes that they envisage as a result, both personally and professionally.

We asked people to consider three topics:

Introduction

• Your name, the job do you do and your level of seniority.

Your home life

• Where do you live? (on your own, with others, cramped or spacious, with or without access to outside space…)
• What additional responsibilities have you assumed since COVID19? (visiting/caring for relatives or neighbours, home-schooling, things that you used to pay others to do)
• What have you enjoyed most about this time and what has worried you most? 

Your work

• Have you been furloughed, or made redundant, has your income fallen?
• Has your attitude to work changed? (do you feel more or less creative, interested and focused, able to concentrate, time pressured…)
• How have your working relationships and your ability to influence projects been affected?

The Future

• As a result of COVID19, how do you think the way people work could or should change? (in particular think about people who are working to create the built environment)
• How do you think the built environment will change as a result of COVID19?
• What do you think we should try to retain from this time?

These insightful videos provide a powerful glimpse into the experiences of professionals across the industry.