Design Criteria for Layout of Public Enclosed Spaces Through Physical Distancing in Preventing COVID-19 Transmission in Shopping Malls

Abstract

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that has a high rate of infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus. The virus is known to infect a person through spreading of small liquid particles or droplets from an infected person when they talk, cough, sneeze, or breathe. Therefore, it is important to slow down rate of infection through physical distancing between individuals. The main objective of this writing is to identify the current layout of enclosed public spaces that incorporates physical distancing and to determine the layout criteria for spatial design in shopping complexes to address the spread of infectious diseases such as COVID-19 following the new norm lifestyle. Shopping complexes are large and compact in design that is limited to the general use of air conditioning which can increases the threat of an outbreaks, especially to those under the high-risk category. This makes shopping complexes a risky and unsafe space. This study uses qualitative method and involves observation and focus group interview session. The interview session includes 5 Professional Architects as respondents. Both techniques will be analyzed descriptively through thematic analysis. Through this study, there are design criteria identified in preventing the spread of COVID-19. The findings of this study are expected to open the minds of architects and private developers as well as the government to make critical revisions in the design of closed public spaces especially in shopping complexes, to provide safe and healthy spaces designed for the public.