This week on The Weekly, BD+C editors spoke with leaders from WSP USA, Perkins Eastman, and Little Diversified Architectural Consulting on three important topics:
• The COVID-19 crisis in nursing homes, and how design can make a difference
• Why and how the commercial construction industry can help drive the U.S. economic recovery
• How school districts are preparing for "back to school" and making long-term changes to school design and operations to promote infection control.
SEGMENT 1: Why and how the commercial construction industry can help drive the U.S. economic recovery, with Lou Cornell, CEO, WSP USA
"I think we can certainly help the economy get back on its feet by doing what we do best. It's about building infrastructure that generates jobs, and makes life better for those that use it everyday. I think engineers will play a vital role in reigniting the economy."
- Lou Cornell, CEO, WSP USA
SEGMENT 2: The COVID-19 crisis in nursing homes, and how design can make a difference, with Bradford Perkins, FAIA, Founding Partner, and Martin Siefering, AIA, Principal, Perkins Eastman
"Even in progressive states, code minimum—which was basically interpreted by the developers back then as the maximum—it's 80 square feet per person, in a semi-private room. Obviously, that, plus nursing units of 40 to 60 residents, means that social distancing, isolation—those things are absolutely impossible."
- Bradford Perkins, FAIA, Founding Partner, Perkins Eastman
SEGMENT 3: How school districts are preparing for "back to school" and making long-term changes to school design to promote infection control, with Shana Hetherington, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, Project Architect, Project Manager, Little Diversified Architectural Consulting
"How are schools going to be ready? It's a challenge. How do you social distance on a bus? How do you social distance kids coming into schools and in crowded hallways? Classrooms that typically can fit around 22 kids, when you space desks six feet apart, that cuts [the capacity] in half."
- Shana Hetherington, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, Project Architect, Project Manager, Little Diversified Architectural Consulting
WATCH ‘THE WEEKLY’ EVERY THURSDAY AT 1 PM EASTERN
“The Weekly” is a presentation of Horizon TV, the online broadcast arm of SGC Horizon LLC, publishers of Building Design+Construction, Multifamily Design+Construction, Professional Builder, ProRemodeler, and Construction Equipment.
Related Stories
Coronavirus | Mar 19, 2020
Force Majeure and COVID-19 in construction contracts - What you need to know
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are all taking a closer look at many portions of our contracts.
Coronavirus | Mar 19, 2020
Technology crucial during COVID-19 social distancing
Technology can help bridge the gap during the Coronavirus pandemic as higher education institutes and corporations are moving to a remote work model.
Coronavirus | Mar 18, 2020
Coronavirus latest: Short-term pain but strong rebound likely, says Oxford Economics
Once the disruption and uncertainty fade, the rebound in global economic activity will be strong. It’s important for firms to position themselves for such a recovery.
Coronavirus | Mar 18, 2020
We are in the midst of a paradigm shift for higher education
The question for higher education is, what will the university of the future look like?
Coronavirus | Mar 17, 2020
AIA: Design services saw increase in February, but economic footings are rapidly shifting
"The rapid pull-back in activity throughout the economy will obviously be felt in the design and construction sector, and architecture firms will be one of the first to see how these events play out,” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD.
Coronavirus | Mar 17, 2020
AGC to government officials: Shutting down construction projects is an unnecessary step
Construction firms are already taking steps to protect employees, most of whom already wear protective equipment, while halting work will undermine efforts to add hospital capacity.
Coronavirus | Mar 16, 2020
Boston mayor orders shut down of construction sites due to coronavirus
Boston Mayor Martin Walsh has ordered that all construction projects in the city be suspended in response to the spread of the coronavirus.
Coronavirus | Mar 16, 2020
Effective remote workforce: Key steps and strategies for success
As the potential scope of the COVID-19 outbreak has become more clear in the United States and Canada, public and private organizations from all industries, sectors and geographies are encouraging their teams to work remotely to reduce the spread of the virus.
Coronavirus | Mar 16, 2020
Coronavirus and the water cycle—here is what treatment professionals need to know
As the global health community tracks the spread of this virus, it’s important for water and wastewater professionals to keep updated on potential impacts.
Coronavirus | Mar 15, 2020
Designing office building lobbies to respond to the coronavirus
Touch-free design solutions and air purifiers can enhance workplace wellness.