Bhiraj Buri Group reinforces its leadership in quality real estate development by hosting the forum “Beyond the Space: The WELL-Being Era” at the IVORY SHADOW Hall, 45th Floor, BHIRAJ Tower at EmQuartier. The event unveiled a forward-looking perspective on office development evolving from conventional “workspaces” into integrated “living spaces” that prioritize the holistic well-being of occupants across physical, mental, and long-term productivity dimensions.
The event was organized by Bhiraj Office Leasehold Real Estate Investment Trust (BOFFICE), as a platform to exchange insights and celebrate the achievement of BHIRAJ Tower at EmQuartier in attaining the globally recognized WELL Certified Core Gold standard. This milestone underscores the building’s advancement toward an international, human-centric benchmark. The forum convened experts from four key sectors: developer, tenant, designer, and organizational psychologist, who shared their perspectives and real experiences under the unifying concept that “an office is no longer just a place to work, but a place to live.”
The Vision and The Standards: From Architecture to Quality of Life
Mr. Pitiphatr Buri, Chief Executive Officer of Bhiraj Buri Group, stated that achieving WELL certification marks a pivotal transformation from a property developer to a “developer of quality of life”, focusing on creating meaningful value through human-centric design.
“Post-COVID-19, human behavior has changed significantly. We must take a deeper look at the entire user journey from commuting to the daily experiences within the building. Elements such as natural light, air quality, and temperature directly impact both performance and well-being. The WELL standard provides a tangible framework to elevate these aspects. Transforming existing spaces into living environments requires comprehensive upgrades from backend engineering systems to spatial layout, greenery, lobby design, and shared amenities to ensure a fully integrated lifestyle,” said Mr. Pitiphatr Buri.
Prof. Dr. Atch Sreshthaputra, a leading expert in green architecture and Chairman of the Thai Green Building Institute (TGBI) added from a sustainability (ESG) perspective that “The WELL standard goes beyond engineering requirements. It represents a comprehensive quality-of-life framework that encompasses air, water, light, nourishment, as well as artistic and sensory elements. Research shows that occupants working in WELL-certified buildings tend to experience lower rates of illness and significantly improved physical and mental health”.
The Inner Space: Unlocking Human Potential, Combating Burnout Through Environment
Ms. Dujdao Vadhanapakorn, an expert in dance movement therapy, founder of Empathy Sauce and SOULSMITH, and a specialist in Empathetic Communication, emphasized that the environment has a direct impact on employees’ sense of psychological safety. Factors such as lighting, sound, and material textures influence human emotions and behavior. Natural light can reduce stress levels by up to 15–20% and boost creativity by 10-25%, while windowless environments may increase stress levels by as much as 20–30%. Air quality and noise levels also significantly affect concentration.
She further highlighted that burnout is not solely caused by heavy workloads, but also by overlooked stress elements in the environment, such as a lack of privacy or spatial discomfort. A well-designed workplace must therefore foster safety, relaxation, and creativity to enable sustainable performance.
Real Experience: Outcomes and Global Business Standards
Mr. Teerapun Pimtong, Executive Officer and Vice Senior General Manager of UACJ (Thailand) Co., Ltd., shared his perspective as a tenant of BHIRAJ Tower at EmQuartier for over 10 years, noting that while a prime CBD location remains important, modern organizations are increasingly prioritizing sustainability and employee well-being. The building’s environment, shared common areas, and lifestyle-oriented amenities play an important role in encouraging employees to return to the office, creating a sense that the workplace is more than just a place for work. This significantly enhances both employee engagement and business relationships.
Prof. Dr. Atch added, “Investing in employee well-being is a strategic business decision to help reduce healthcare and insurance costs while improving productivity. Over time, these benefits translate into measurable returns and long-term business value, reflecting a global standard that is gaining traction across markets worldwide.”
Future Outlook: The Evolution of Modern Workplace Spaces
The 4 panelists unanimously agreed that in the era of Work From Anywhere, offices must evolve into compelling destinations that attract people. The direction forward can be defined as follows:
- Flexible Workspaces: Spaces should be highly adaptable, supporting diverse working styles, social interaction, and integrated services that enhance daily convenience and ensure commuting to the office feels more worthwhile than working from home.
- Sustainability and ESG Integration: Buildings must deliver strong energy performance, reduce carbon emissions, and foster environments that support long-term well-being. The WELL Building Standard is rapidly becoming a baseline expectation for global organizations.
- Emotional Culture: Beyond physical space, leadership mindset plays a crucial role in shaping environments that foster a sense of belonging, psychological safety, and authentic self-expression.
- Home Away from Home: Seamless integration of work and lifestyle functions will be at the heart of sustainable, next-generation office design.
The event was also honored by Mr. Jack Noonan, Senior Vice President and Head of Asia Pacific at the International WELL Building Institute, who officially presented the WELL Certified Core Gold certification to Mr. Pitiphatr Buri, Chief Executive Officer of Bhiraj Buri Group. This recognition affirms the building’s achievement in meeting global standards for health and well-being, reflecting the group’s commitment in developing real estate that prioritizes the quality of life of its occupants, encompassing physical health, mental well-being, and long-term sustainability.
The “Beyond the Space: The WELL-Being Era” forum highlights a pivotal transformation of BHIRAJ Tower at EmQuartier, moving beyond the creation of physical spaces to delivering sustainable quality of life that truly elevates the way people live and work.
