The impact of COVID-19 on office design
Replace metal door handles or elevator buttons with copper or brass ones. Viruses die faster compared to metal, stone or wood. Copper pipes are used in the US. Copper cups are often used in India. Problem: price
Plan B: Use less wood. Viruses die sooner on Plastic and stone
Curved corners between the corners and the wall (commonly used in hospitals). It’s harder to clean corners and viruses stay there for a long time
UV lights in air vents - to kill viruses
Movable partition walls - to isolate areas and teams
Social distancing between desks. Coloured lines around desks so people know the safe distance. Problem: most offices don’t have space for this. High costs
Glass partitions between workers - protect employees from spray from coughs, sneezes, and speaking - especially useful when social distancing isn’t possible
Temperature scanners at the entrance of the building. Problem: some employees may worry about privacy
All lights, air-cons, copiers, coffee machines can be controlled by smartphone apps. Problem: fighting over the best temperature / light brightness
Paper mats can be placed on desks - used once then thrown away. Problem: not paperless, bad for the environment
Isolation rooms for sick employees should be built
Handwashing stations should be placed in the lobby and around the office
Elevators and projectors in meetings rooms can be controlled by voice commands
Outdoor workspaces. Problem: weather
Scanners to check for face masks at shopping malls. (protects staff)
Free seating vs assigned desks
Q: Which is better at reducing the spread of coronavirus?
Assigned Desks
Only one person uses the desks
If people leave their stuff there, it’s harder to clean
can start work sooner if you know where everything is
Free seating
Easier to be cleaned at night
Employees should be given lockers to store their things overnight
need fewer desks - many employees will work from home when possible
Sources:
https://www.inc.com/kevin-j-ryan/how-office-design-will-change-post-coronavirus.html
https://www.businessinsider.com/office-reopen-desk-shields-screens-partitions-2020-6#regardless-of-the-unique-layouts-of-company-offices-experts-say-they-will-be-drastically-different-than-when-employees-left-16
https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/en/netherlands/six-feet-office