It has recently become even more important that built spaces support the physical and mental health of their inhabitants, through operations and protocols (ex : cleaning, hand washing, short-term interior density management) and design (ex : ventilation systems, biophilic and active design). The current health crisis has compounded stress levels for many worldwide, when poor mental health is already the largest contributor to disease globally. Ensuring people feel (and are) safe going back to the workplace, to restaurants and retail places, or communing in public spaces is a responsibility and challenge that must be embraced.
The Center for Active Design shares five ways buildings can be optimized to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, and other illnesses :
Increase Ventilation
Post Educational Handwashing Signage
Strengthen Cleaning Protocols
Maintain Optimal Humidity
Filter Indoor Air
A free webinar by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) on optimizing mental health and mitigating the spread of COVID-19 in buildings and communities can be found here.
(written synopsis here)
