Design of vestibules as transitional spaces in infection control: Necessity of working space changes to cope with communicable infections

Abstract

BACKGROUND: After the spread of infectious diseases, people stay at home as a shelter space to be safe and sound. Current homes and work spaces have shown not to be a good environment for health and hygiene. During different crises of infectious diseases, architects and designers analyze the needs for change and evolve of environments to achieve a suitable design that prevents the spread of pathogens. OBJECTIVES: This proper design should help improve people’s living standards and mental health in terms of functionality and environmental psychology. METHODS: In the traditional architecture of some countries, such as Canada, Japan, and Iran, the vestibule has provided some possibility of separating the external and internal space. The design of the intermediate space with the appropriate scale of today’s buildings at the entrance can create a filter between the indoor and outdoor environments by dividing these spaces. RESULTS: The use of intermediate space by modern technology can prevent the transfer of viral infection into the interior of the building. This can be done by removing the virus from clothes, changing or covering shoes, disinfecting equipment, separating infected items, and creating proper ventilation in the intermediate space so that microorganisms cannot be transferred into the safe environment. CONCLUSIONS: In this paper, we looked at the architectural design in a new light to have a healthier life and more security, by inspiration of the patterns in traditional architecture and the human body.

The Role of Environmental and Geographical Factors in the Education Process

“…In this regard, it is crucial to integrate the external natural environment with the internal environment. With simple measures such as optimizing sun orientation, utilizing natural light to conserve energy, ensuring proper ventilation, and facilitating effective communication between indoor and outdoor spaces, the educational environment can foster green, healthy, and natural spaces (Andalib et al, 2022).…”

Happiness in the urban built environment, people, and places

“…According to our investigation, the environment has a major effect on increasing citizen satisfaction and health. The happiness, mental health physical health, and safety of the people living and working in the city are under the pressure of what environment they are living and interacting with [22][23][24][25]. These environmental differences could result in inequalities in the mental health of citizens [26].…”