How could the life sciences and real estate sectors work better together?
To be successful in life sciences real estate it is important that there is a good mutual understanding of the tenant needs and the most appropriate real estate offering. In life sciences this is more complex than is the case in regular offices or industrial buildings. In life science it is about understanding how new knowledge is being developed at the universities and in companies and how new knowledge is being valorised. It is a continuous learning process how the needs of tenants are developing and how to accommodate these needs. This can be learned when there is good operational management in place to pick up the signals or manage expectations.How can the physical/built environment encourage innovation?
The physical/built environment plays a key role in encouraging innovation. Science parks contribute an attractive and inspiring environment where talented people can work together towards new solutions. Regarding an individual building, it is important that there are enough meeting places and that they are inspiring. These can be informal meeting places (for example, at the coffee bars with the best coffee) but you also need a good variety of meeting rooms and conference rooms to host events.
What have we learned from COVID-19?
The COVID-19 pandemic had quite an impact on the life science sector. The sector was collaborating to develop treatments for COVID-19 and at the same time the sector worked hard to advance essential vaccines and treatments for many other health issues while the health system was under pressure. We have learnt form COVID-19 that the life science sector and the associated real estate are quite resilient and that a pandemic can lead to unforeseen extra research and development. Flexibility in the operational management is key in such an extraordinary time.Does the ever-increasing importance of sustainability affect Kadans’ operations or strategy?
Sustainability is an important part of the offering for Kadans. It is important for all our stakeholders from tenants to shareholders. Uniquely, we are not only the developer but also the investor and the operator. We are used to making integrated decisions in all parts of the life cycle of a building. The buildings in our portfolio have a BREEAM Excellent or Outstanding qualification. Where possible we are creating new buildings that are energy positive such as in AMC Amsterdam and energy neutral Plus Ultra Utrecht.What is the single thing that most clearly defines a Kadans property?
A large atrium and a transparent open structure with suitable places to meet each other.
