blueprints

Purposeful Design Can Help Fight a Pandemic

  June 15, 2020


By Cathy Jakicic


Epidemics of the recent past have something to teach us about how architecture can help fight the spread of the novel coronavirus, especially as we look at their primary modes of transmission: air, surfaces, and water, according to the Boston Globe.

With coronavirus, which can remain suspended in the air and be inhaled by others, airflow emerges as both a problem and a solution to design for. 

Opening windows, increasing air movement, introducing filters, and turning on fans could make a difference.

Avoiding closed-off hallways, waiting areas and other spaces designed without airflow in mind — or, if possible, keeping people outdoors — while maintaining safe distancing can also help.

Cathryn Jakicic is healthcare industries editor of FacilitiesNet.com. For more information on hospital campuses and other medical facilities, click here.

Next


Read next on FacilitiesNet