Architecture of the pandemic

What role can architecture and architects play in a health crisis?

The Corona virus forced us to organize in new ways. ‘Architecture of the Pandemic — A compendium of responses to COVID-19 in the built environment’ presents 35 responses to the sudden global challenge.

Common to the examples are that they demonstrate how architecture can provide protection, while maintaining quality of life for its users. The intention is to inspire and contribute to the discussion about the role of architecture and architects during a health crisis.

The examples range from small scale design solutions to largescale constructions — from the “shoe pull” allowing users to easily open any door in a handsfree hygienic way to the pavilion on display in the exhibition — a full scale quarantine facility based on principles adaptable to local conditions and societal values. The responses have managed to challenge and expand the boundaries of the “architecture of epidemics”.