For the past few weeks, I have been extremely interested at how many forms of architecture/urban planning might need to evolve. I understand that this is not the most important issue at the moment, but I do think that it should be talked about and discussed so that hopefully, a new mindset will emerge. Let me explain a little more:
At the beginning of the Pandemic, the Government (Federal and Local) started to group architecture into 3 categories: “Residential”, “Essential” and “Non-Essential”. They wanted citizens to stay within their “Residential” spaces, only travel to “Essential” spaces and to avoid all “Non-Essential” ones.
Early on, it became very clear that many “Residential” spaces were never designed to be “Quarantine” spaces. Many individuals have become increasingly frustrated with their residence and the lack of adequate work space, outdoor space and self-isolation areas.
Again, these are all inconsequential in the grand scheme of things, but one starts to question if today’s residential architecture has been about creating a “part-time” shelter and not a “full-time” shelter. Have we been designing for “full-time” shelters? Should we have?
The “Essential” spaces have had to stay open but there is no significant architectural/design change to their layout. These spaces aren’t able to pivot to any type of “safe” set-up. Their solutions are limiting capacity and placing tape/markers on the ground. Is it possible to create a better architectural/modular system for these spaces moving forward?
The “Non-Essential” spaces have had to stay closed but there was no significant plan to reappropriate them. Certain states have started to house the homeless in hotels, but there is so much more that could be explored. Stadiums, Arenas, Theaters, Gyms and Churches are all important spaces that could be reexamined given their use, size and current vacancy.
The reason I bring this up is to simply highlight these inadequacies and figure out a possible solution. Architecture’s largest strength is being able to adapt. If it’s not adapting, especially during a global pandemic, then it might need to evolve.