Page 8 - MECO | Winter 2016

How Technology

is Changing

Infrastructure

Detect to Protect

Using Technology to Improve Workplace Safety

Q: Technology is referred to as the catalyst for growth. How is

your business being affected by today’s technologies?

Much of the conversation surrounding retail and technology

centers on the increasing share of online purchasing and its effect

Jan Hanak on brick and mortar retail locations. We are finding that the most

successful retailers are those who are embracing digital to create

Vice President at Regency Centers omnichannel experiences for their customers, bridging the online

and offline worlds.

From autonomous vehicle to drones, to 3d printing, advances in

technology have impacted almost every aspect of our lives. The Q: Technology is rapid-changing which can present challenges

new age of information technology has propelled businesses to traditional commercial space construction. How is Regency

to adapt and change their infrastructure. Although delayed in Centers keeping up with these changes?

comparison to other sectors, the real estate industry (the world’s As a shopping center owner, Regency is focused on developing

largest industry), has begun to embrace the technology industry and owning properties with a strong merchandising mix and

(the world’s fastest growing), and the changes that must be made placemaking features that make people want to come, shop

in order to remain competitive in the global marketplace. and stay for an experience they can’t get online. Technology

is also changing the way retailers treat their spaces and the

Jan Hanak, Vice President at Regency Centers a preeminent commercial space built around those stores should work to reflect

national shopping center REIT with more than 425 properties, the experiences found inside. This is where placemaking and

gives us a better understanding of how technology is affecting the architectural choices can make a substantial difference in creating

commercial real estate infrastructure. an atmosphere that causes shoppers to want to linger longer.

7