The architect as a frontliner

IN the midst of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, medical professionals emerged as new heroes of the country as they serve assiduously in the front lines. Doctors, nurses and medical technologists were then given appropriate privileges such as a courtesy lane at the banks and groceries to save them some valuable time in queuing up. It is rightfully fitting as they literally brave the threat of acquiring the deadly Covid-19 virus while they look after Covid-19 suspects and probable cases.

However, there were also other kinds of frontliners that were behind the spotlight — basic utility staff, funeral and crematorium staff, waste management staff, and others who continued to work and risk their lives during quarantine periods, while everyone else were asked to stay at home. Yours truly, for example, is an architect who remained at the front lines since the quarantine began and until today. Nevertheless, most would probably be asking: “What does an architect do as a frontliner?”