The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has unveiled its latest set of design adaptation strategies aimed at retrofitting existing buildings for post-pandemic use.
The latest guide, following up on strategies for schools, commercial facilities, and other spaces, is geared specifically for senior living facilities. A recent article in The New York Times explains that upwards of 43% of COVID-19 deaths in the United States are linked to nursing homes and that these casualties make up the majority of COVID-19 deaths in at least 24 states.
These troubling statistics inform the urgency of the AIA's latest guidelines, which are geared toward the now-stalled "re-opening" phase of the pandemic while keeping an eye on a possible second or third wave of infections that could materialize in the fall during the traditional flu season. AIA's report states, "public health experts anticipate a resurgence of COVID-19 in this calendar year, and the risk profile of senior living communities will continue to be acute compared to other types of indoor spaces."
Referencing the recently updated Risk Management Plan for Buildings published by AIA, the plan offers strategies for adapting back-of-house areas, dining facilities, visiting areas, bathrooms, outdoor spaces, and other zones to help minimize the spread of disease.
The guide includes a 3D model designed by RLPS Architects designed to help building owners and operators visualize the necessary changes. The AIA's recommendations were created after intense interdisciplinary digital charrette workshops.
Be sure to follow our Covid retrofit tag to stay up to date on the latest building modification approaches created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2 Comments
A couple of thorny issues strike me here.
Of course, these and other precautions are life-saving and can't be avoided, it seems. What mitigations or alternatives might be possible? I wonder.
My sister works at such a facility in Canada and they have been under "no visitor" restrictions since this all started about 100 days ago. Not sure if it's since been lifted as the city has started to reopen but...it is hard for the residents. I know her and the staff have gone extra mile to try and provide some contact/comfort and interaction...but still.
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