EMBRACING URBAN LIVING’S REINVENTION:

Crown Group’s Iwan Sunito on Adapting to the Pandemic’s Needs

Crown Group Chairman & Group CEO Iwan Sunito

Much of the changes worldwide came in the form of adjusting organizational workflows and internal procedures to accommodate digital interactions. This allows people to stay and work in the comfort of their homes without putting themselves at risk of infection from COVID-19. However, this can lead to inefficiencies in collaborative projects, harming individual and group motivations in accomplishing work.

Developer Iwan Sunito of Crown Group sees urban develop as the key to solving the growing pains of people working in these isolated setups. He believes that smarter and more innovative city centers will pave the way for the future, moving beyond a post-pandemic environment.

The unavoidable need for urban infrastructures

Sunito sees cities are special places that showcase the vibrant energy and the best of humankind. He states that demand for residential and hospitality establishments will remain and even potentially rise. Since times and needs are changing, raising the bar for these structures will also be necessary.

Sunito’s designs take inspiration from Japanese and Scandinavian architecture in his recent projects. In collaboration with Koichi Takada Architects, his recent collaboration with world-renowned Japanese architect, Kengo Kuma, uses a unique approach in blending urban and natural elements. These two disciplines blend together to create harmony by emphasizing de-cluttering while embracing the natural world.

Worldwide vaccinations are currently underway, igniting a spark of hope for numerous sectors, including the travel and hospitality industry. As the world continues to recover, architectural infrastructures need to adapt to necessary changes as well.

Sunito sees cities are special places that showcase the vibrant energy and the best of humankind. He states that demand for residential and hospitality establishments will remain and even potentially rise.

The required qualities of architecture and design

Sunito believes in three key points in crafting smartly-designed development, embracing the social, economic, and ecological needs of today’s generation. First and foremost, he sees city centers as an opportunity to provide permanent solutions to the pandemic’s challenges. These urban hotspots will remain as essential building blocks for the economy’s progression, requiring commercial and residential projects to accommodate in-person gatherings. It’s the responsibility of these establishments to promote confidence in the public that they’re safe and reliable places for face-to-face interaction and collaboration.

Next comes the inherent economic ecosystem that drives these business districts. There’s a reason why many institutions build close to urban populaces. Location is a prime selling point of real estate. It is a crucial driving force for inviting more development projects in metro areas. For example, most Crown Group buyers invest in the location of their property which has access to healthcare, commercial establishments, and even nearby universities. This need for accessibility needs to receive the care and precision of adjusting to modern healthcare guidelines.

Finally comes the need to address the green question. Environmental sustainability is a growing concern for many industries, especially in the construction and development sector. These commercial sectors are tied closely with each other to create a compact environment that optimizes space and avoids ecological footprint. This is how city planners integrate each infrastructure to accommodate the needs of its occupants. Urban developments with better designed walkable areas, effective ventilation, and seamless commute routes contribute to a comfortable lifestyle while accommodating a dense population.

Urban developments with better designed walkable areas, effective ventilation, and seamless commute routes contribute to a comfortable lifestyle while accommodating a dense population.

The future of travel and hospitality markets

With the key qualities of improvement above in mind, it’s important to develop adaptations that function

beyond temporary solutions. Sunito is confident that these necessary changes will invite a shift in creating better hospitality establishments and high-end residential developments. For example, Sunito’s SKYE Hotel Suites represents the Crown Group’s award winning capabilities, offering a safe and comfortable private space for urban dwellers.

It’s but one of the many major developments of Crown Group in Sydney, with six major projects under development in its pipeline, including the $500 million five-tower precinct Mastery by Crown Group in Waterloo being developed with Mitsubishi Estate Asia, Waterfall by Crown Group in Waterloo, and Eastlakes Live by Crown Group. Taking into consideration the new realities of COVID-19’s impact on society, Sunito believes that urban development must address the growing mental and physical needs of its occupants. Addressing these new requirements will lead to an innovation in modern design that’s both aesthetically innovative and functionally effective.

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WORDS: Gerald Manuel

IMAGES: Crown Group