How can I help with COVID-19 as an Architect?

Almost three weeks into a world lock down, architects are asking more and more about how to get involved and be of service.

In this article I want to answer this question, elaborating on the suggestions published on the 26th March by the American Institute of Architects.

The answer very much depends on your skillset.

If you have any past professional relationship of working within the health sector you may already be involved in re-designing and re-shaping hospitals and local patient places through emergency architecture.

In recent media more and more architecture firms that have 3D printers, started to utilize their resources to print new parts for inhalators and medical equipment.

Companies have uploaded N95 masks and other personal protective equipment plans for printing.

Be an Advocate, stay engaged and speak up. We represent a solution-oriented niche, which can very much help navigate through the problems differently than any other experts would. It is important for us to engage in solutions and suggest our point of view. Our training and ability of seeing the relationship of the human and environment through the eyes of construction, design, interaction and spatial appropriation can prove very helpful in the stages of resolution.

Get involved with your local governmental body. Go speak to your local municipality and understand how are they preventing further spread of the virus. See what is needed, diversify your service and try to be of help.

Some of the main actions being taken today are:

1) securing funding in the economic stimulus legislation,

2) locating masks, ventilators, and personal protective equipment; and

3) sharing information with each other for their own “first responder” efforts: stalling evictions, providing loans and assistance to small businesses, using parks and rec facilities to provide childcare to essential workers, etc.

Your local municipality might need advice or support as to how to host equitable digital public meetings and developing temporary facilities for homeless populations.

You can join all those actions by reaching out to your local authority.

You can also think of next steps.

We are amazing planners and problem-solvers. We are part of the solutions as to how to transition to life after the pandemic.

Think of the future. While most of us stay at home, safe and healthy we can start thinking of ways in which our environment will change post COVID-19. Join me on Facebook to stay ahead of the curve for the future with other inspiring architects.