Covid-19 Research

Section 03: Covid-19 Research

Section 03: summary

In this section I researched how Covid-19 was impacting ambulance branches. To begin the research I explored how the traditional workplace was impacted by covid and how office buildings are adapting to the pandemic. The main solutions implemented in workplaces all over the world are social distancing, increased cleaning, opening windows, and mask usage. Many of these general solutions formed the basis for my design. As there is minimal research on how ambulance branches are adapting to the pandemic I had to speculate based on how the pandemic is impacting the function of the branch. One issue that was consistently raised is how the mental health of paramedics has declined in the pandemic. As paramedics are front line workers the pandemic is overwhelming and causes them to worry about whether they are bringing the virus home to their loved ones. Although an ambulance branch alone cannot control the pandemic -- architecture can help reduce the risk to paramedics and support them and their families.

The main solutions implemented to mitigate the effects of the virus include larger spaces for social distancing, decontamination spaces before entering the branch, increased ventilation, better outdoor spaces, easy to clean materials, and a mental health clinic for paramedics, their families, and the broader community.

Covid impact brainstorm

Key Takeaways

• There will be physical and psychological changes within spaces • More importance given to clean and fresh air • Social distancing provisions in place when necessary

Spaces post covid

Vitra (2020)

• Hygiene standards will be permanently increased • Working remotely will become more prevalent • Many interactions can be transfered online, but not all • New rules and layouts for offices • Disinfectants at entrances, temperature checks and masks • Self opening doors and non-touch objects • Materials -- leather, plastic, wood, brass, copper, metal, concrete • Vulnerable groups get separate spaces • Provisions for social distancing • Fixed teams of 2-3 workers • Screens and room dividers • Easy to clean surfaces -- high-pressure laminate, melamine resin on wood, metal, medium density fiberboard

Safework Australia (2020)

• 4m2 of space per employee • Floor marking to denote space • Hot desks need to be cleaned often • Natural ventilation is important

Health.gov.au for Paramedics (2020)

• More hand washing required • Disposal of PPE is more important • Cleaning of ambulance after jobs (need PPE to do this) • Fresh air intake is important

Beyond Blue (2020)

• Paramedics are more exposed, anxiety • Change in routine can cause mental distress • Turnaround time takes longer • Call out takes longer • Impact of virus on family life • Need increased mental health support for paramedics

Possible space adaptations

Ventilation

Indoor air quality

Current Covid Impact

These are the changes taking place within ambulance branches throughout the Covid-19 pandemic (Department of Health, 2020)

Future Covid Impact

Post pandemic architecture will change to reflect learned behaviours about cleanliness and virus mitigation. Some examples of these changes include architecture designed with ventilation in mind, easy to clean materials, more importance given to outdoor spaces, more emphasis on indoor air quality, spatial changes to allow social distancing, and disinfecting stations at entrances (Vitra, 2020).

Covid safe Materials

High Pressure Laminate

MDF with Melamine Resin

Copper and Metals

Concrete

These materials are durable and easy to clean, in addition, some of these materials have good virus resistance properties (Vitra, 2020)

Covid Precedent 01

Name: Covid Pop-Up School Architect: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill Date: 2020 Info: Classroom space that addresses social distancing, safety, and ventilation. Model can be rolled out throughout the USA as necessary.

Each classroom has access to the outside

Desks are spaced apart, provisions for online learning

Each table has individual return vents, lots of natural ventilation

Units can be placed together as necessary