Critical Architectural Design Indicators for Mitigating the COVID-19 Pandemic

Authors

Abstract

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, with an unknown origin. As the global community grapples with the pandemic and faces ongoing challenges related to vaccine access and viral mutations, safeguarding human health has become increasingly prominent. In such circumstances, the home-the primary refuge from external threats-is critical in individual and public health. This research investigates the potential of architectural design to contribute to pandemic resilience and promote health. It raises the central question: How can the built environment mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 and support human wellbeing? To address this, a theoretical review of interdisciplinary literature in architecture, health, and pandemic response was conducted to identify influential environmental factors. These factors were further analyzed using SPSS-based statistical methods to prioritize their significance in design practice. The study identifies several key design elements that are heightened during pandemics: Adaptable and multifunctional furniture, spatial layout planning, material selection, smart technologies, integration of plants, natural ventilation, access to natural and artificial lighting, circulation paths, color schemes, and visual connectivity. Emphasizing these elements can contribute to healthier living environments in line with World Health Organization (WHO) health standards during public health crises. The findings underscore the role of architecture not only in sheltering but also in actively enhancing human resilience against pandemics.

Keywords:

COVID-19, Pandemic, Health-oriented architecture, Environmental psychology

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Published

2025-02-07

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 2 (2025): Architectural Dimensions and Beyond

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Critical Architectural Design Indicators for Mitigating the COVID-19 Pandemic. (2025). Architectural Dimensions and Beyond, 2(2), 78–90. https://adb.reapress.com/journal/article/view/30

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