The American Institute of Architects (AIA) recently announced the availability of new resources to support employers, public officials, and design professionals with re-occupying buildings more safely.
AIA’s “Reopening America: Strategies for Safer Buildings” initiative is based on input from a team of architects, public health experts, engineers, and facility managers who developed strategies to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in buildings, promote social distancing standards, and enhance wellbeing in communities transitioning to new lifestyle norms. Click here to read a report on the initiative.
Initial outcomes were used to develop the below tools:
Risk Management Plan for Buildings – Provides a comprehensive process for assessing hazards in buildings and reducing risk. This methodology not only can be applied during the pandemic but for all shocks and stresses to create more resilient buildings and businesses.
AIA Re-occupancy Assessment Tool (2.0) – Provides an enhanced framework of strategies for re-opening buildings, including restaurants, retailers, offices, senior living facilities, schools, and housing.
COVID-19 ArchMap – Architects can now input design strategies that mitigate risk of COVID-19 for any building type to AIA’s map. The map is produced in partnership with the University of Kansas’ Institute of Health + Wellness Design and intended to facilitate design innovation.
Outcomes from the charettes are also being used to develop tailored strategies and considerations for offices, retailers, schools, and senior living facilities. Individualized reports will be released in phases, in the near future.
AIA’s team used a virtual charrette workshop-a method used to study specific issues in a limited time frame using an intense brainstorming session-to develop the strategies.
You must be logged in to post a comment.