Classroom Space Layout for Responding to Occupants’ Health Concerns and Flexible Space Utilization

Abstract

AbstractDuring COVID-19, the importance of reconfiguring indoor space layout has received attention. In particular, space layout in school buildings should keep a safe distance among people to protect occupants’ health while satisfying requirements for space utilization purposes to ensure learning experience. However, space constraints and conditions such as room size, boundary, and door locations, etc. make it difficult to adapt space layout required for diverse learning experiences. In this respect, this research aims to apply a space planning framework using Building Information Modeling (BIM) that can streamline the process of reconfiguring space layout. The research outcomes contribute to decision-making of space layouts for providing suitable indoor environments under emergency situations beyond the current pandemic. Although the space planning method has helped with optimizing different space types within a building, it has not expanded its usability within a single space due to lack of understanding inter-relationships of multiple constituent elements within a space. In this respect, this research addresses the constraints of elements within a space to respond to an emerging issue of flexible space reconfiguration for protecting occupants’ health and learning experience. This research broadens applications of the space planning method to responsive and resilient space management by integrating it with BIM in the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry.