The Preventive Indicators for Evaluating the Design of Existing Buildings as Epidemic-Resilient Architecture: A Theoretical Framework

Abstract

The recent outbreak of epidemics created health challenges and emerging requirements that revealed weaknesses and increased alerts about the contribution of the existing buildings’ design to increasing the possibility of epidemics’ spread. Those risks necessitated focusing on designing more effectively resilient buildings to epidemics. The study focuses on improving the safety aspects of existing building design from an architectural design perspective. Therefore, this study proposes a theoretical framework for a set of preventive indicators to evaluate the existing building design as a resilient architectural system in its response to epidemics. These indicators have been identified and selected based on an extensive examination of the literature and the most effective practices for preventing and controlling epidemics. Those preventive indicators covered all the various aspects of the design of the existing building, including the effectiveness of social distancing, indoor air quality, indoor environmental quality, control engineering and preventive. Using these indicators, architecture professionals and policymakers can evaluate the effectiveness of existing buildings in reducing the spread of epidemics and making the necessary improvements to create a more resilient environment. The proposed preventive indicators aim to contribute to developing epidemic-resilient architecture and promote the creation of healthier and safer living environments for occupants.