Introduction
As we've researched trends in architecture and design, we've come across numerous articles recently that run along the theme of: Designing buildings and spaces for the post-COVID world.
As in all aspects of life these days, architects, designers and facility personnel are adapting to the impacts of the pandemic, and figuring out how to apply what they've learned to make buildings part of the safer world we're trying to create.
We found a gold mine of information and consolidated these resources here for you. The paper is segmented into the following broad categories and / or building types:
- General
- Healthcare
- Hospitality and Lodging
- Senior Living
- Education
- University housing
- Office spaces
General
Keep ADA Top of Mind as Buildings Are Adjusted for COVID-19
Key Takeaway / Synopsis:
Building owners will seek ways to re-open their buildings – and there is potential for plans to either harmonize or conflict with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The article focuses on maintaining equity and accommodation as entrances, restrooms and office areas are modified.
COVID-19 and real estate: How the coronavirus is impacting the AEC industry
https://www.bdcnetwork.com/covid-19-and-real-estate-how-coronavirus-impacting-aec-industry
Key Takeaway / Synopsis:
An exhaustive compilation of articles covering COVID and post-COVID impacts on building owners and the entire AEC industry.
Healthcare
Webinar: Behavioral Health Outpatient Care in the Post-Pandemic World
Key Takeaway / Synopsis:
This webinar explores the impact the pandemic has had on outpatient behavioral health care. Presenters will share insights and lessons learned from care providers, discuss systemic changes to reimbursement and operations, evaluate what changes will remain in the future, and explore essential design considerations for behavioral health outpatient care that we need to embrace as we transition into the "new normal" of the post-pandemic world.
Biocontainment Care Units (BCU)
Key Takeaway / Synopsis:
Specifically designed for the care of patients with highly contagious and hazardous diseases, such as COVID-19, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), smallpox, and Ebola Virus disease. BCUs are typically grouped together and separated from normal patient care areas with:
- secured entry and exit points
- interlocking double-door access
- independent air-handling systems
- donning and doffing areas
Hospitality and Lodging
Renovations could be hospitality's stopgap for next few years
https://www.bdcnetwork.com/renovations-could-be-hospitality%E2%80%99s-stopgap-next-few-years
Key Takeaway / Synopsis:
The immediate future of AEC work in the hospitality sector will likely involve renovation and adaptive re-use rather than new construction.
Reimaging Hospitality
https://www.hospitalitydesign.com/news/business/lasting-impact-hospitality-post-covid-19/
Key Takeaway / Synopsis:
Hoteliers need to earn guests trust and show a sanitary environment is top of mind. Every touch point is thought out. Showers are sanitary.
Focus on the three S's: Security (how can I help you feel less anxious in a space?); Significance (how can this experience be meaningful?), and Surprise (how can I delight you with something that's a little bit unexpected?)
Implementing smaller renovations – safer materials that are less porous and easy to clean. Antimicrobial materials should be considered in high traffic areas.
Senior Living
How design of senior living communities must change after COVID-19
https://www.bdcnetwork.com/blog/how-design-senior-living-communities-must-change-after-covid-19
Key Takeaway / Synopsis:
- The intersection of social interaction and technology to ward against social isolation
- Allaying anxiety and rebuilding trust – demonstrating safety and cleanliness will become paramount.
Continued on next page
3 Top Senior Living Redevelopment Opportunities after COVID-19
Key Takeaway / Synopsis:
- Debt loads for hotel chains are high, and these properties appear to be the easiest to reposition into senior housing.
- Shopping malls struggling with the impact of online shopping also seem a possible candidate for redevelopment into vibrant, mixed-use properties with a senior living component.
- The pandemic may accelerate the conversion of college dormitories into intergenerational housing on college campuses.
Pre-fab "pods" for family meet-up spaces
Key Takeaway / Synopsis:
Vancouver-based PARC Retirement Living, which operates five communities in and around Vancouver and has three in development, has created Family Meetup Centers by repurposing modular containers of the type typically used as offices on construction sites.
Education
How Will Education Design Change in a Post-Pandemic Environment?
https://www.buildings.com/news/industry-news/articleid/22280/title/education-design-post-pandemic
Key Takeaway / Synopsis:
- How do you accommodate all student when social distancing cuts room occupancy by half?
- Repurposing of other areas – like lounges – into educational spaces
- Improving traffic flow to allow space – older buildings may not offer enough room
Modular Design Helps Education Sector Respond to COVID-19
Key Takeaway / Synopsis:
- Modular construction may be the answer to future needs for flexibility and adaptability in educational spaces.
Designing for Interior Flexibility: COVID-19 and Beyond
http://schoolconstructionnews.com/2020/08/17/designing-for-interior-flexibility-covid-19-and-beyond/
Key Takeaway / Synopsis:
- How to design interior study and collaboration spaces that maintain social distancing while also supporting students' needs for interaction,
CDC guidance for Institutions of Higher Education
University Housing
5 reasons universities are renovating student housing
https://www.bdcnetwork.com/blog/5-reasons-universities-are-renovating-student-housing
Key Takeaway / Synopsis:
- Renovations can be done at reduced cost and on a faster schedule.
- Easier to add or enhance amenities
- Improves sustainability
- Supports campus compatibility
- Preservation of historic buildings.
Office Space
BD+C - Post Pandemic Workplace Design Will Not be the Same for All
https://www.bdcnetwork.com/blog/post-pandemic-workplace-design-will-not-be-same-all
Key Takeaway / Synopsis:
"In the whirlwind of COVID-19 Sasaki designers have come to a few shared realizations that cut across industries: we've learned how to implement technologies which have made work from afar possible–even for a collaboration-intensive industry like ours. At the same time, we've recognized there are limits to remote connection–collaboratively sketching a drawing simply cannot be replicated via a video call.
Many companies are likely experiencing similar revelations, which will result in workers desiring a return to the physical office, at least for part of the week."
Observations and Conclusions
Across the span of these articles some key themes become clear as we enter a post-COVID world:
- Flexibility in space design will take center stage, with an emphasis on successfully blending the need for social interaction with continued social distancing, and the ability to repurpose space as occupancy levels ebb and flow.
- The rise of pods as external spaces to provide safer meeting and work spaces outside the facility.
- Economic uncertainties will likely see a rise in renovation projects and budgets for the next few years.
- Hand in hand with renovations may come the wholesale conversion of existing buildings into other uses – e.g., hotels into senior living, shopping malls into mixed use; dorms into intergenerational housing.