Women in Construction Week: What We Learned at PWC
March 10th, 2021
Pictured above: CSG Assistant Project Manager Samantha D’Agostino attended PWC-CT’s virtual program last week which addressed the impact of COVID-19 on construction and facilities management in the private school sector. PWC-CT promotes diversity and supports the advancement of women within the architecture, engineering, construction and related industries by offering educational programs, networking opportunities and scholarships.
In recognition of Women in Construction Week (March 7-13, 2021), CSG would like to thank the CT Chapter of Professional Women in Construction (PWC-CT) for continuously providing quality professional development opportunities and promoting diversity within the AEC industries. The group's most recent virtual event, held last week, addressed how private schools are handling the impact of the pandemic on facilities management and construction projects.
The panelists shared how the pandemic has forced their institutions to balance planning for future enrollment, while making accommodations for their current student body and faculty, all while adhering to CDC and state guidelines. For example, in order to comply with social distancing requirements, many schools needed to increase their storage capacity, as furniture from dormitories and common spaces had to be removed.
Schools are also revisiting their master plans and considering their enrollment numbers post-pandemic. Although enrollment has gone up, the number of students in living areas on campus is decreasing. In addition, facility managers will need to design spaces that take into consideration social distancing and sanitizing which can include different kinds of furniture, UV lighting and increased ventilation. There is also an increased interest in utilizing outdoor spaces and expanding WiFi hot spots around campuses to encourage students and faculty to work and study outdoors.
Pictured above: Heather Taylor of Philips' Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire participated in a virtual panel discussion on March 2, hosted by PWC-CT. Panelists also included representatives from Avon Old Farms, ACES, Loomis Chaffee, and Miss Hall's School. The special guests discussed the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented to their institutions from a facilities management and construction perspective.
Despite the challenges that COVID-19 has created, many schools are moving forward with construction projects ahead of time due to remote learning and a decreased number of students on campus. Just like with any unforeseen circumstances, the pandemic has created an opportunity for facility managers to re-evaluate their operations, turn to their peers for guidance, apply best practices and new technologies in order to make schools more comfortable, convenient, and safe for everyone.
Thank you PWC, for hosting such an informative session.
Posted in the categories Employees, Announcements.
