Architectural Design Trends of Buildings post Covid-19 Times

1. Architectural Design Trends of Buildings post Covid-19 Times Talking about infectious diseases like the pandemic that we are breathing in now, architectural design of metropolises can play a major role in combating them. Even in the past, the outbreak of deadly diseases led to the revolution of urban design. For instance: Post the cholera outbreaks of the 1800’s, new plumbing and sewage treatment procedures were put in place to prevent an outbreak in the future. As the novel Covid- 19 has changed the way in which we will lead our lives in the future it might also influence the way in which buildings have been designed and built. We can probably adapt the technology that is being used in aeroplanes for buildings. As one knows, it is extremely difficult to keep crowding out of the picture while one is on an aeroplane. In this case the biggest risk comes from sitting next to someone who is infected. However, the air filtration of an aeroplane is remarkable as it limits the spread of the contagion because of its continuous discharge feature. This kind of air quality treatment can be applied to buildings as well. It is essential for top architects to think about this because even in a normal setting, we spend most of our time in our buildings. Top architects in India need to think about this more because India is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. With the advent of advanced technology, it has become easier to economise the process of making air clean. For example, UV-C lights are effective in exterminating viruses inside air treatment systems and at the same time they also ensure that equipment last for a longer duration. Famous Architects in Mumbai were already using this technology in their ongoing projects. Traditional air filters need to be modified so that more fresh air can be pushed through them because the continuous flow of fresh air inside buildings is also extremely essential. Clean and fresh air ensures that the people in the building are not exposed to any infectious agents. In the current situation, with doctors being infected even though they have the best protection, it is essential to understand a mask cannot protect one. Currently, many countries including India are using infrared thermometers that need to be held by one to see if someone has fever. This increases the risk of spreading as there is contact. Hence, technologies like thermal imaging need to be installed at the reception areas of a building in order to ensure that there is minimum contact with people in the case of a pandemic. In a general scenario as well when people are infected, there are stages to an

2. infection. Temperature Monitoring in buildings receptions through thermal imaging can notify the person and this can further guide him/her to a doctor. Hopefully in the future technology will be able to solve more problems related to pandemics like possible microscopic sensors that can detect contagions that are roaming around in the perimeter of the building. These sensors can probably start an automated sanitisation process of the building.