ADAPTING TO THE "NEW NORMAL"
Campus safety has always been paramount in every decision we’ve made. But this new era brings this priority to the next level. So what does COVID mean in terms of existing buildings? Forbes magazine recently published a list of ten college space and function adaptations that they expect to be the “new normal” for all of us moving forward. They include:
1. Large lecture halls and open spaces will become “mid-size” classrooms for lecture-style classes. Universities have found reductions of up to 80% are needed (i.e., a 100-person classroom now accommodates 20 students) to maintain the recommended 6-ft. social distancing.
2. All classrooms, of all sizes, will be modified to provide (a) options for physical barriers between instructors and the class, (b) signage and/or floor markers indicating required spacing of student seats, and (c) technology needed to accommodate remotely located students (synchronous learning) and/or recording of lectures (asynchronous learning).
3. Some conference rooms, teaching labs, and other shared spaces expected to see reduced usage will be converted into small classrooms or multimedia studios for class production.
4. Buildings will have designated entrance and exit doors rather than allowing all doors to be used for both. Guidelines and signage will be used to direct personnel flow (direction of movement) in all buildings. Hand sanitizing stations (and PPE stations where appropriate) will be placed on all floors of all buildings.
5. Dining halls will significantly reduce seating occupancies, relying instead on more take-away service. To accommodate variety in meals available, dining services may move to pre-ordering meals by a daily menu app. Self-serve food stations will be eliminated. Some cafeteria-style service may be possible but only with addition of barriers between food service workers and students. Indoor and outdoor spaces elsewhere on campus may need to be added for students to eat their take-away meals.
6. Recreational spaces (gyms, courts, pools, workout spaces, playing fields) will be strictly controlled for access. Students will sign-up for times via an app.
7. Residence hall density will be significantly reduced. All rooms will be transformed to single occupancy. Common areas either be converted to additional single rooms or restricted for use. Common bathrooms will have restrictions on occupancy. In essence cutting the on-campus housing by half, colleges will be forced to explore off-campus options (hotels, apartments) or consider the use of temporary housing units. Those institutions that typically offer housing for students in their first two years will only guarantee housing for first-year students. Off-campus housing apartments will be marketed at a premium and the available housing stock will quickly be tapped out.
8. Greek houses and other social houses under the university’s jurisdiction will either be forced to close or have severe restrictions for occupancy/use be placed upon them. Off-campus or unofficial Greek or social houses may continue to exist with limited or no restrictions, providing a nexus of unsanctioned activities that attract large numbers on weekend evenings.
9. Student centers will see dramatic restructuring of their programming, usage, and spaces. Maintained will be open areas for studying (with social distancing), coffee and light food services (take-away), and student services offices. Eliminated will be large dining or event spaces, dense retail (e.g., bookstores), restaurants and pubs, theaters, etc. Some spaces may be able to be repurposed as classrooms or even student housing. Major student gatherings and events will be held virtually or not at all.
10. Varsity athletics facilities will remain in use subject to decisions by the NCAA and individual athletic conferences. However games will be played with very limited (or no) spectators in attendance. Teams (athletes, coaches, staff, medical, and supporting personnel) event/facility management personnel, and media personnel will be subject to strict testing protocols. Indoor sports will be particularly impacted by attendance restrictions. Virtual fan experiences will be created for online audiences."
WHAT COMES NEXT?
While it’s almost impossible to imagine right now, what of the “post-COVID” era? What do we expect well into the future? How do we plan for what comes next? Physical distancing for safety fills available space quickly; and will impact what kinds of space we can best utilize (e.g., open concept, efficient HVAC, enhanced flexibility).
One thing we know for sure is that the physical assets of our institutions will continue to require ongoing modification, protection, and repair. Reduced campus occupancies in the near term may actually facilitate renovation in occupied buildings. And yet the need for new facilities to support critical facilities like health care and research will continue. These critical functions have a direct positive impact on the populace. Investment in construction itself also helps sustain economic recovery.
A series of blog posts produced by Gensler outlines a variety of impacts the pandemic will have on the future of the built environment. A post related to highereducation asks the question: “In the long-term, what can we learn from this experience that we can carry forward to future-proof our campuses?” They suggest a paradigm shift, arguing that “this crisis (is) a catalyst for change.” They cite an observation that seems to becoming mainstream: “Schools won’t return to the status quo. Everything — from building design and curriculum to operations and maintenance — may need to adapt to a new normal.” Some suggest it could be that way forever. We can’t assume the next pandemic (or similarly dire circumstance) will wait another 100 years.
The office furniture giant Steelcase shared a research piece titled “Designing Post-COVID Learning Spaces.” Never before has the value of physical interaction in business and education meant more, now that such interaction is not possible. The Steelcase article notes:
As we look toward the future, learning spaces will be reinvented to enhance the benefits that face-to-face educational experiences can offer. Pedagogies and calendars will consider which activities are best online and in person, and our spaces will need to reflect those new priorities. There will be greater emphasis on safely supporting social and spontaneous learning in addition to finding new ways to enhance a scholarly atmosphere and energy in the physical environment that can’t be replicated online….
This means educational space planning paradigms of the past, driven by density and cost, need to shift. Flexible and fluid spaces will better support the adaptability expected of educators and students. And enhanced blended learning connections will bring online and physical experiences together to create an elevated sense of community.
Many parents and student supporters have come to realize the tremendous value of great educators and educational systems during the pandemic. Learning institutions that have been most successful have had a robust blended learning platform, student-led educational experiences and have created a community of support for all students.
Those who try to hold too tightly to the past may fail to excel as they try to navigate what’s next. In the future, schools and campuses will be more important than ever.
Exactly how that new campus looks and what we will need to do in order to build it and operate it safely will be the subject of future entries.
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