The Ascott Limited said it will review the design of its existing and new serviced residence properties to ensure they are “future-ready for continued growth” in a post Covid-19 world.
Ascott said it plans on taking into account emerging trends such as the increased popularity of working from home, deeper health and safety concerns, and a “rapidly digitising world” when it comes to designing new properties.
“Ascott is reviewing every touchpoint within the living and workspaces of our apartments to tap on the work-from-home trend. We are also improving our digital solutions and looking at leveraging smarter technologies to provide value and safety to our guests,” added Kevin Goh, chief executive officer, lodging, CapitaLand Group and chief executive officer, The Ascott Limited.
In an effort to accommodate the rise of the work-from-home trend under the coronavirus crisis, the Singaporean company said it is looking at changing the design of its serviced apartments to create a “more productive workspace”. Some of these changes include better task lighting, better use of space and appropriate wall features suited for videoconferencing or webcasting, said Ascott.
Ascott said digital solutions and technologies may also be “further deployed” . This includes the use of sensors at Ascott properties which can offer “better safety” through thermal scanning or to “track footfall and crowds” for safe distancing measures.
The company said it will launch a new mobile app later this year that will offer guests contactless services such as contactless entry into their apartments, as well contactless payment, check-in and check-out options. The app, it said, can also provide “seamless in-room service”.
Ascott has properties in 180 cities over 30 countries in Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the US. The company’s serviced residence and hotel brands include Ascott The Residence, The Crest Collection, Somerset, Quest, Citadines, lyf, Préférence, Vertu, Harris, Citadines Connect, Fox, Yello and POP!.
