How Architecture is Redesigning Spaces for Social Distancing
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As countries around the world begin to lift lockdowns with strict social distancing measures in place, architects and designers are developing innovative new approaches. The coronavirus has clearly turned what we used to think of as “normal” on its head, but we have been down this road before.
In the early-20th century, epidemics gave rise to the sterile, therapeutic environments of modernist architecture. Likewise, COVID-19 may inspire buildings of the future to be smaller and more open. Open-concept offices may slowly disappear while the paneled walls of the cubicle make a comeback.
That is just one example of the structural change that we anticipate both mid-pandemic and in its wake. In recent months, expert architects from around the globe have begun to envision creative new concepts for socialization, congregation and safer worker environments – all while maintaining “social distance.”
Here, we explore three trends that could drastically transform urban environments, parks, homes and office buildings in the months and years ahead.
Creating temporary urban spaces for social distancing
To help small businesses, Baltimore, Md., teamed up with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC), the Neighborhood Design Center and local stakeholders to develop the Design for Distancing Initiative. It is a new endeavor for creating temporary, low-cost spaces that permit physically distant social interaction in urban environments such as streets, alleys, vacant land and parking lots.
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To do so, the Initiative invited the public to submit design ideas that help allow the local economy to open again. A detailed design brief was provided and contestants had to adhere to strict design guidelines and public health recommendations.
Out of 162 submissions, a jury selected 10 innovative designs, published in the Design for Distancing Ideas Guidebook.
The plans were conceived around the needs of Baltimore’s neighborhoods, but could be adapted to cities anywhere.
Design ideas included:
“Curblet Commons,” a low-cost conversion of a parking lane into a public space for community, shopping, services and culinary encounters.
“Tropical islands,” 1- to 6-foot-diamater circles that require little materials (umbrellas, chalk, plants, etc.) to create a community space that leads with a social distancing approach.
“Space frames,” which are multi-functional designs that aim to support socially engaging and creative spaces while encouraging physical distancing. Materials to separate parties could include paintings, panels, plexiglass and takeout counters.
“We felt it was important to share these creative concepts with other cities to adapt and use as needed,” said Baltimore Mayor Bernard Young. “This Guidebook is Baltimore’s gift to the world, and we hope it will be a valuable resource to areas far beyond our city.”
It is unclear how many other cities have adapted the designs, but one thing is for sure: When it comes to designing for the future, Baltimore means business.
Outdoor Offices and Natural Ventilation
(Photo by Patrick Connor Klopf at Unsplash)
Many professionals have longed for more innovative outdoor space options and COVID-19 may have brought just that.
Architecture and design firm, Valerio Dewalt Train, recently rolled out a new outdoor design that supports natural air ventilation – providing outdoor meeting areas with wall dividers, light-weight furniture and more. The design also includes accessible Wi-Fi and power strips to accommodate standard office needs, along with chalkboards to promote collaboration among teams.
In addition to that, architects are looking to air filtration for employee protection. According the Architectural Record, industry leaders helping clients overcome work environment challenges are increasing HVAC zones, maintaining humidity between 40-60 percent. HEPA filters, an efficiency standard, are also being implemented to sterilize air within office spaces.
Touchless tech to reduce surface contact
Airports and other high-traffic commercial areas have already adopted touchless technology, including automatic doors, cleaning robots and information kiosks with touchless mobile activation. Now it’s our turn!
While many COVID-19 in-person obstacles have been solved by implementing PPE safety precautions, the challenge of high-traffic areas, including restrooms and entryways, is still being reviewed.
Stephen Yablon Architecture, a New York City-based firm, recently rolled out a revised office plan for its professional headquarters that incorporates touchless technology. The automated entry systems will use facial recognition for bathrooms entrances and stalls, as well as main entrances and other high-traffic areas. Valerio Dewalt Trains’ outdoor design also incorporates foot-operated door openers.
Modular, Functional Living Spaces For Working at Home
According to Australian architectural firm, Woods Bagot, the secret to designing buildings that ensure safety is flexibility.
The firm recently unveiled their AD-APT system, a modular solution that includes a series of adjustable walls and screens that users can set up at home to create a work space. The system responds to the way workplaces, academic institutions and personal living spaces will shift as people become expected to work remote long term – drastically changing work habits and expectations.
A spokesperson for pods manufacturer, Framery, noted: “Floor plans will look different, be more flexible and space allocation will be adjusted. Companies will want the ability to quickly modify and scale their workplaces in the case that something like this were to happen again in the future.”
The AD-APT system has three modes for its home design:
Day Mode: A typical apartment style design, providing a larger living space with designated working space, as well as two separate booths to increase productivity.
Night Mode: A floor plan that transforms the open living space into a master bedroom and second bedroom, with the option to separate with a curtain or moveable wall.
Play Mode: This mode allows the adaptable space to transform into an expanded living area for social gatherings or professional group settings.
Whether it’s working in an office or home, participating in a social gathering or visiting a coffee shop, the future of everyday life will continue to be transformed by innovative designs in the age of COVID-19 and beyond.
Have the inside scoop on any other ways COVID-19 will change the future of places? Feel free to let us know in the comments below.
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