The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is releasing a new Re-occupancy Assessment Tool today that provides strategies for limiting exposure to COVID-19 in buildings.
"Design is a response to the conditions, needs and functions of our society,” said AIA 2020 President Jane Frederick, FAIA. “This may be the most pivotal and defining moment in our lifetime for design. Architects are needed in this crisis to help safely transition our communities back to offices, schools and the many other places that are important in shaping our daily lives.”
AIA’s Disaster Assistance Committee developed the Re-occupancy Assessment Tool to provide public officials, businesses and architects with practices that protect the health, safety and welfare of the public while businesses, stores, restaurants, etc., reopen. The tool provides a framework of strategies and general mitigation measures that can help reduce exposure to COVID-19.
Using credible science, a multi-disciplinary team of architects, public health experts, engineers, product designers, and facility managers will evaluate behavioral, spatial, material and operational strategies to customize the tool for a variety of building types, including:
• offices;
• schools (K-12);
• multi-unit dwellings;
• retail establishments, restaurants; and
• senior care facilities.
Findings will be released in phases as they become available, with a priority focused on strategies that address immediate needs. Long-term strategies will also be developed for making buildings more resilient in the face of pandemics, natural hazards, climate change and other risks.
Visit AIA’s website for more COVID-19 resources for architects.
Related Stories
Coronavirus | Jul 20, 2020
Student housing amid the pandemic, infection control in buildings, and future airport design on "The Weekly"
Experts from Core Spaces, Bala Consulting Engineers, and Populous were interviewed in the July 23 streaming program from Horizon TV.
Coronavirus | Jul 17, 2020
Never waste a crisis
The coronavirus outbreak has provided numerous lessons for AEC firms.
Coronavirus | Jul 17, 2020
The Weekly show: What 40K workers have to say about WFH, and design in the digital age
This week on The Weekly, BD+C editors spoke with leaders from Cushman & Wakefield, HMC Architects, and HOK on three timely topics.
Coronavirus | Jul 14, 2020
Is there a way to test for Covid-19 without PPE?
We developed a unique design concept: a testing booth that allows healthcare workers to administer tests without using PPE or being exposed.
Coronavirus | Jul 13, 2020
4 technologies for improving building sanitization in a post-pandemic society
Changes in building design and operations can drastically improve public health and safety.
Coronavirus | Jul 10, 2020
HOK, Cushman & Wakefield, and HMC Architects hold sway on July 16 "The Weekly"
“The Weekly,” a new streaming program for the commercial design and construction industry, to feature experts from HOK, Cushman & Wakefield, and HMC Architects. Tune in July 16 for insight on social media and interior design, the future of the workplace, and healthcare design after COVID-19.
Coronavirus | Jul 10, 2020
The Weekly show: Carbon-fiber reinforced concrete buildings and back to campus amid COVID-19
The July 9 episode of BD+C's "The Weekly" is available for viewing on demand.
Coronavirus | Jul 1, 2020
Are hospitals prepared for the next pandemic?
Caught off guard by COVID-19, healthcare systems take stock of the capacity and preparedness.
Coronavirus | Jun 30, 2020
The great reset and our new work life
As many countries begin to return to the office, it’s a chance to ask ourselves: what do we truly value?
Coronavirus | Jun 26, 2020
Infection control in buildings in the age of the coronavirus
Controlling future infection spreads could become job one for most buildings and spaces.
