Thanks, I'll check them out!

I read the paper on office spaces. It provides detailed guidance of what needs to be done in order to open businesses for work again. It is based on the AIA Re-occupancy Assessment Tool framework.

The many suggestions range from low cost to high tech. Naturally the newer office buildings have better ventilation/HVAC systems, touch free security systems, etc., while with older buildings the main issues are with older ventilation, lobby/public spaces not spacious enough, restrooms with outdated fittings, etc.

All suggestions in the document are sensible though. You could even assess each suggestion with a grade (high/medium/low cost) which can help with the implementation. See attached.

On page 11 the Considerations when selecting mitigation strategies points out that communication and engagement is essential for moving forward, whether for the short term or longer.

On a separate note, I have not been able to find anything similar from RIBA either. That's not to say they have not produced it, only I have not seen it 🙂 

-Chris

It is always simpler to state something in writing than it is to design around those words.......but at least there is thought behind how to try and work around a problem.

The easiest solution maybe is to have a grid of 1m, 2m or 6ft depending on where in the world you are. This may not be practical but it gives a manager an idea as to how many people can work safely within an area and then make informed decisions regarding how to utilise the workforce efficiently to fit the requirements.

Retrofitting any existing office space will be a challange as the space was for a certain number of people all working at the same time. It may not be as easy as that for some, a lot of people can work from home so a rota system could work. Most people would, I think prefer to leave home and go to work, where they are more productive with other people in that environment.

To retrofit any existing building no matter how old or new it is may be a very difficult process, maybe not cost effective either, so it's about taking guidance and managing the situation and more importantly educating the staff as they play the biggest role in reducing the spread of the pandemic.

Posted by: @foundational

On a separate note, I have not been able to find anything similar from RIBA

I'm not surprised. It seems they jumped on the covid bandwagon https://www.architecture.com/knowledge-and-resources/knowledge-landing-page/coronavirus-covid-19-advice/digest   but when it comes down to it, there is little that can be of use.

Most articles are "exclusive to members". It feels all too gimmicky. Classic RIBA.

hi @Jane

I had thought about joining RIBA although the feedback I got from colleagues is mixed? Are you a member??

@foundational I used to be for a few years. Then decided it wasnt worth it.

I think RIBA is failing it's members in many ways, their fees are extortionate and you're not getting value for money.

@jane I do totally understand, the RIBA was great when I was a student, (Free membership for students), and the resourses for architecture are fantastic as well as the bookshop.....but saying that, once you finish studying and join the real world, things become very expensive when you only get a magazine every month, some discount to structured CPD.....but saying that, do we really need the RIBA when there are so many places to get CPD, is it really worth it?

Thanks guys, the RIBA discussion is interesting but it is best placed in a thread of its own, to avoid taking us off topic here.

Posted by: @alex

Thanks guys, the RIBA discussion is interesting but it is best placed in a thread of its own, to avoid taking us off topic here.

Sorry!

I've had a quick look at the AIA document for schools. I like the guidance here too, quite detailed.

They use this master checklist, Reoccupancy assessment tool and they refer back to it in all their documentation.

Excuse me , AIA is good and well for America , how is this guidance useful for whats going on in the UK , now that we have Tier1 / Tier2 / Tier3 " system " regulations will differ , I don't think it will apply here

@et2020 What we intend to do with this topic is exploration of the best infrastructure ideas to keep people safe.

It does not matter where the ideas come from, if they are deemed worthy of consideration by participants they should be discussed.

There seem to be differences between how the US and the UK are managing this. In the US AIA is providing some direction but in the UK it's the government doing so.

About the UK, the gov.uk website advice on schools only specifies that adults need to maintain social distance of 2m from other adults and children. “Measures should include specific social distancing between pupil and teacher (current guidance is that if the activity is face-to-face and without mitigations, 2 metres is appropriate), accounting for ventilation of the space being used. Pupil and teacher should be positioned side by side if possible”.

It seems to me that the distancing between children has been left ambiguous, even something as simple as distance between desks hasn't been mentioned.

@nazart it looks like the UK government is relying on each school's discretion as to what to do with social distancing.

Under the heading:

6. Minimise contact between individuals and maintain social distancing wherever possible

a paragraph reads

The overarching principle to apply is reducing the number of contacts between children and staff. This can be achieved through keeping groups separate (in ‘bubbles’) and through maintaining the distance between individuals. These are not alternative options and both measures will help, but the balance between them will change depending on:

• children’s ability to distance
• the lay out of the school
• the feasibility of keeping distinct groups separate while offering a broad curriculum (especially at secondary)

The takeaway message is that 'bubbles' and distancing are not an 'either or' proposition and should be balanced according to those three factors listed below.

I'm not suggesting this is goor or bad, just that they are taking a different approach from the US.

@alex thank you, it is a shame that the UK government hasn’t specified a set of basic space standards as it would probably help a great deal in just giving a head start to school staff. 

The main problems I see is the schools that have large occupancy of students within a small space.  As AIA suggest to utilise larger spaces may help for some classes and as the weather changes, setting up porta-cabins in open spaces would be another way to go to make enclosed classroom spaces (the downside to this is you lose open/recreation space).

This is a conversation that needs a lot of input to gather ideas for the best solutions going forward.