THE NEW URBAN SANCTUARY As the COVID-19 situation in Singapore stabilises and with vaccination rates climbing, companies in Singapore are preparing for a partial return to the office with some intending to retain flexible working arrangements. From 19 August 2021, up to 50 per cent of the workforce can return to workplaces, Ministry of Manpower had previously announced. While there was some easing of safe management measures - allowing a portion of workers to return to the office. it was later announced that for the month starting 27 September till 24 October 2021, working from home be a default work arrangement with number of cases rising to more than 1,000 cases. Living in a pandemic era has changed the way people look at their homes. Once a haven to return to after work to relax, it now does double duty as office and home. And as activities outside of home are now limited, the focus of entertainment has also switched to one's own turf. As more owners redesign their apartments or houses for a 24/7 lifestyle, it hasn't taken property developers long to follow suit. For Arthur Aw, Executive Director of Kimen Group, building a home with a functional layout is no longer enough. "The Covid-19 experience has given rise to an increased desire by urban dwellers to seek a healthier lifestyle," he says. Kimen Group is launching Jervois Mansion, a freehold 130-unit development at Jervois Road, which is 10 minutes walk from the shopping belt at Orchard Road. Mr Aw says, "We focused on maximising the healthy living experiences that residents can enjoy, rather than maximising the total number of units we could build." Mr Aw believes that "architecture is about 'heartware', and people want to live closer to nature". He says the pandemic has reinforced his beliefs and now, more than ever, neighbours are an extension of family. "With people spending more time at home, that kampong spirit you have with your neighbours is so important," he says. Jervois Mansion apartments are housed in five-storey buildings with plenty of greenery not only on the ground level, but also outside each apartment. Wherever they walk residents will always find pockets of nature to appreciate. The rooftop will also have lush landscaping, and facilities such as a playground and dining pavilions. Mr Aw points out that 40 per cent of the greenery planted will be medicinal, usable or edible plants, which will be distributed to residents for their use. The condominium's landscaping firm will also conduct urban farming workshops; Mr Aw hopes that residents will want to join and "build a community spirit from there". Another development that is banking on nature and communal facilities to attract buyers is GuocoLand's Midtown Modern. Located in Bugis, famous for its night market, it prides itself on being the only central business district (CBD) condo with full facilities that include a tennis court and a 50m-long pool, set in one hectare of gardens and landscape areas. Dora Chng, general manager, residential at GuocoLand says: "Midtown Modern also have a hotel-like lobby lounge that offers concierge services where residents can use the space to work and meet business associates."

At Irwell Hill Residences by City Developments Limited, there is a purpose-designed workspace exclusively for residents. The specially designed workstations are equipped with Wi-Fi and charging points in a setting that offers a spectacular view of the sky framed by greenery - a sure way to make anyone in a Zoom meeting envious. Architects, too, have weighed in on what urban dwellers want now. Jason Pomeroy, Founder of Pomeroy Studio, says spending more time at home increases the number of people in close proximity over 24 hours. "This necessitates greater consideration for the need for natural light, ventilation and a connection to the outside. The physical and mental wellbeing of urban dwellers cannot be under-estimated," he says. The flexi-living concept of CapitaLand's One Pearl Bank includes cosy areas such as an alcove in a one-bedroom unit which can easily be converted into a study or work area. Its studio apartments units also come with a multi-functional swivel table fitted into the kitchen system, giving residents the option of converting their breakfast counter into a workspace during office hours. While location and price are still of utmost importance when house hunting, developers are confident that the pandemic will make buyers consider more than those factors. Ms Chng says, "In the past, it was always about location. In today's environment, we see that buyers also consider aspects such as community, with a focus on flexible spaces, wellness and sustainability. Ong Teck Hui, Senior Director for research and consultancy at JLL Singapore, says that as budget is always a key consideration for homebuyers, some might be able to stretch theirs a little more to have that extra space in their location or project of choice. Others who are more budget constrained may have to consider a less expensive location where they can afford a bigger unit. "To entice buyers, we may expect workspaces to be featured in showflats to show interior design ideas on how workspaces can be efficiently incorporated in new homes," he says. "The incorporation of proper work spaces in homes is a likely trend in the post-pandemic world."

Using any TWO (2) variables of segmentation, provide a descriptive profile of the target consumers for the following property development: (i) Kimen Group's Jervois Mansion (6 marks) (ii) GuocoLand's Midtown Modern (6 marks) (iii) CapitaLand's One Pearl Bank (6 marks)