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Architecture Research 2022, 12(1): 12-18
DOI: 10.5923/j.arch.20221201.02
Architectural Design Retrofitting of Congregational
Public Spaces with Reference to COVID-19 Pandemic
Abdul Qadir1, Mohammad Arif Kamal2,*
1Faculty of Architecture and Ekistics, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
2Architecture Section, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India
Abstract From over the centuries, pandemics consistently molded urban communities, many health issues have been
reflected in the architecture and design of cities. Today, the world is going through an overall crisis of COVID-19 pandemic,
the most horrendous in longer than a century giving rise to various challenges to confront this epidemic. The ascent in the
quantity of individuals tainted with Coronavirus and the expanding number of passing may bring about a survey of the
different Congregational spaces and their renovation planning methodologies to cope with the pandemic. The point of the
investigation is to examine the effects of the COVID-19 on the Architectural practices with respect to practical interventions
and how will the congregational spaces respond with respect to COVID-19 pandemic.. Therefore, new strategies and
implementation principles of emergency design, especially in Congregational spaces (Cinemas/Theatres, Shopping Malls,
Libraries must be directed towards healthcare and precautionary measures during the conditions of the pandemic. Thus, it
raises the subject of planning for irresistible infections that will most likely affect future exploration and practice.
Keywords COVID-19, Pandemic, Congregational Spaces, Design Retrofitting, Post Implementation Strategies
1. Introduction
It is one year that has been passed since this Coronavirus
was declared a Global Pandemic, a year of awful loss of lives
and livelihoods. However, even with high vulnerability
about the way of pandemic, an exit from this wellbeing
emergency is progressively noticeable [1]. Since the start,
pandemics have reliably formed metropolitan networks;
various issues addressed w.r.t planning, designing,
healthcare-emergency, and public. The reasonable system
for crisis configuration is considered and tested through
the ideas of emergency engineering, crisis design, and
philanthropic engineering with their undertakings to update
ideas both hypothetically and methodologically [2]. Thus,
leading values of new strategies and implementation
principles of emergency design, especially in architectural
practices, must be directed towards the healthcare and
precautions to achieve the scope for transformability in
existing buildings during the time of the pandemics.
Therefore, the aim of this topic is to explore how COVID-19
could reshape our Congregational spaces (public) and how to
cope up with it to overcome future virus-like attacks.
2. Research Objectives
* Corresponding author:
architectarif@gmail.com (Mohammad Arif Kamal)
Received: Jan. 26, 2022; Accepted: Feb. 22, 2022; Published: Mar. 15, 2022
Published online at http://journal.sapub.org/arch
The following are the research objectives of this paper:
1. To observe the problems occurred due to COVID-19
on Architectural Practices (Congregational spaces).
2. To analyze what changes can be done in
Congregational spaces to cope up with the COVID-19
pandemic.
3. To observe how the implementation of various
strategies to the Congregational spaces make the
things better and will help to cope up with unknown
hurdles and challenges.
3. Research Methodology
In this paper, the study is not limited to theoretical
understanding but it is investigations with respect to the
practical interventions that how will the congregational
spaces respond with respect to COVID-19 pandemic.
Initially the study was conducted by exploring online
platform and through social media to find out the problems
faced by the people during the pandemic times. Following
the do’s and don’ts results in analysing through authentic
researches and opinion of professionals addressing the
changes which could be implemented and thus, qualitative
analysis was carried out.
The quantitative analysis was explored through the case
studies and live situations, which understood the problems
faced by the people with respect to the congregational
spaces during the lockdowns compared to the pre-pandemic
conditions and therefore, by experiencing the people’s
Architecture Research 2022, 12(1): 12-18 13
perception through live case studies and getting feedback
from people and professionals through the google
questionnaires survey finally comes out with the in-depth
analysis, proposals with the alternative ideas, their genuine
recommendable design solutions and interpretation of the
desired results.
4. History of Pandemics: It’s Impact on
the Cities and Transformation
COVID-19 isn’t the the world's first pandemic, there have
been different pandemics that have hit the world and finished
the existences of millions [3], which influenced the
wellbeing field as well as left metropolitan effects and
financial results. From evaluating the historical backdrop of
pandemics earlier, starting from the Athenian plague in 430
BC to the Black Death in Europe in the fourteenth century,
we can see more experiences into the impacts and results of
changing the plan of urban areas, the city's drafting laws, and
the main idea of isolate [4]. In the early nineteenth century;
when a progression of the cholera plague struck the world, it
was a period of unfortunate metropolitan living. In London
1850; one of the primary explanations behind cholera
flare-up was the blending of clean drinking water with
wastewater, as per WHO's information [5] [6].
Considering the chronicled occasions in the 19th century;
the second modern upset, or as it was known as the
innovative insurgency which crested between 1870-1914,
was a significant period of phenomenal urbanization. During
nowadays; urban communities turned out to be thickly
populated, brimming with tall private structures, rail lines
transportation, and public spaces for amusement and welfare
[7]. From that point forward, between 1918-1919; the
deadliest respiratory infection pandemic ever "Spanish Flu
pandemic" murdered in excess of 50 million individuals
around the world, which obviously affected easing back
down in metropolitan development and restricting public life
for a period to moderate the spread of sickness. For instance,
public transportation had been supplanted by strolling in
uncrowded roads, the majority of the populace were
remaining at home, and walkways around evening time were
surprisingly clear [8], which is identical to the current
pandemic situation.
In Philadelphia 1908; a typhoid fever and cholera episode
and brought about by blending sewer and the water source in
Schuylkill River. The early preventive stage was to move
homes and organizations from the riverbank to be supplanted
by an enormous Fairmount park [9]. Coronavirus has been
added to a not insignificant rundown of quickly spreading
irresistible illnesses in the current century, like tuberculosis
in South Africa in 2006, and Ebola in West Africa in
2014, which addresses another test for urban communities
to design viably and to transform into sound urban
communities [10].
At long last, as history consistently helps us to remember
the interrelationship between basic illnesses and highlights
of urban areas, it could leave blemishes on our urban
communities, our social orders and ourselves, we should
realize that things won't ever go to be as it was the past. As a
result, this point will address city design and urban planning
(cities density, streets design, public transportation, public
spaces, parks and green areas, and building design) as it
relates to population health during the pandemic, when cities
face major risks, with increasing numbers of positive cases
and deaths related to city size and population density [11].
The COVID-19 pandemic may provide an opportunity
to optimize cities by including social behavior during
pandemics into planning and design from a health standpoint,
see Figure 1.
Figure 1. Integration of health, social effects in the city
For example, as a result of the pandemic, the idea of
including a health viewpoint into the design of public spaces
is not new, but it has to be reactivated. Social behavior and
citizen awareness are thought to be critical in combating the
pandemic [12].
5. Literature Review
Sara Eltarabily and Dalia Elghezanw studied how the
epidemic has affected the design of cities and urban regions.
Pandemics have shaped cities throughout history, and
numerous health challenges have been reflected in
architecture and urban design. The COVID-19 pandemic,
possibly the worst in more than a century, has created a slew
of new issues for communities to deal with. So, stress should
be given in this area as healthy cities and the city planning
and designing process and supporting the work of the World
Health Organization. [12].
A research proposal June 2020 by Ghaid Ateek focuses on
the Future of Sustainable Architecture: Rethinking
COVID-19 a Pandemic or turning point? Will this epidemic
reshape our built environment to make it more sustainable,
or will it reshape our built environment to make it less
sustainable? What role does architecture play in epidemics
and the post-pandemic world? Finally, the impact of
14 Abdul Qadir and Mohammad Arif Kamal: Architectural Design Retrofitting
of Congregational Public Spaces with Reference to COVID-19 Pandemic
COVID-19 on people's daily routines in the built
environment is discussed [13].
Zebun Ahmed focused on the production of temporary
make-shift architecture so that we can use large open plan
spaces such as stadiums, multipurpose, conference, and
wedding halls, among others, to install temporary structures
that can serve to provide the same social distancing for
communities [14]. Ghoneim et al. analyzed that, as a result of
the COVID-19 outbreak, architecture and urbanization will
never be the same. Although the present global outbreak
poses a threat at all levels of the built environment,
developing an antivirus-enabled paradigm to lower the
virus's potential hazards or stop it from spreading will take
time. This research stimulates the search for appropriate
design ideas, trends, and planning theories to provide the
necessary viral protection and continue to add more layers in
the defense system of our built environment, [15].
It has been concluded from the research done by
Durga Shanbhag and Manorma Patil that the methodology
used here takes into account a study of the current situation,
the necessity for automation to limit contagion, and
technological aspects developing and implementing
planning and design techniques to bring a shift to previously
standardized space geometry, as well as planning and design
ideas that can lead to antibacterial rooms [16]. Emmanuel et
al. analyzed that the sustainable design strategies are targeted
at finding architectural solutions that reassure the well-being
and coexistence of inorganic features, living organisms and
humans that make up the ecosystem [17].
Abdelmoneim Khogali studied some techniques used
by Dar Al Uloom University's College of Architectural
Engineering. Adding value entails refining the e-learning
process in preparation for the forthcoming semesters and
resolving any issues that may arise in order to provide a
better education. To accomplish this goal, the researcher
will send a survey to the students in order to assess their
experience and record the positive aspects, as well as to find
a solution to the negative points in order to resolve these
issues [18].
Takewaki concluded that the pandemic COVID-19
reminds us that we must also look into resilience in terms of
infection risks. Buildings and transportation networks are the
most common areas where people become sick. In buildings,
three elements that are regarded to be major infection
hazards (closed spaces with no ventilation, dense gatherings,
and close proximity) frequently occur.
For this reason, From the standpoint of lowering the
danger of infection, the role of space planning and design, as
well as architectural engineering, is critical utilizing a wide
range of architectural and regional planning expertise and
technology [19]. On the other hand, Nick et al stated that
due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry has been
compelled to disrupt its own planning, procedures, models,
and operations as a result of this tidal change in conditions.
So, the planning and designing of the spaces must be
rescheduled [20]. The need to adapt societal designs,
community spaces, common activities, common passageway
designs, and internal space designs will result in lifestyle
modifications at both the micro and macro levels [21].
6. Primary Data Collection
The primary data collection involves the accompanying
inquiries about the hindrances with respect to pandemic by
the perspectives of individuals and experts as:
1. Where do the problems lie with reference to
congregational spaces? (i.e. their categorization) and
in which domain do the problem lies? (Including
Problem statements).
2. Doing the brief case study of the native city addressing
the live conditions.
3. Subsequent to getting out the issues and the
contextual investigation, the next step is to get
some more information regarding the ideas of the
architects/experts that what should be possible in
congregational spaces to cope up with the COVID-19
pandemic.
4. How the implementations to the strategies make
the things better in future combatting the pandemics
(asking about problems, suggestions and
implementations strategies) which comes out by
getting the responses.
6.1. Problems and Domain
Question 1) which of the following formal
Congregational spaces has been majorly hit by COVID-19?
Response 1) majorly hit: Cinemas/Theatres, Libraries,
Shopping Malls (Based on 72 responses)
Figure 2. Survey analysis for identifying formal congregational spaces
Question 2) Due to the effect of COVID-19 on the
following formal congregational spaces (Cinemas/Theatres,
Libraries, Shopping Malls, public parks) in which domain do
the problems/issues lies?
Response 2) Planning/Designing issues, Social issues
majorly (Based on 45 responses)
Architecture Research 2022, 12(1): 12-18 15
Figure 3. Survey analysis for the problem/ issues domain
6.2. Case Studies
The rundown of issues with the perspectives of individuals
and experts yet getting an affirmation is likewise very clear
in the essential information assortment thus Case Studies
were done in the local city Saharanpur with reference to the
following congregational areas:
1. GNG Shopping Mall, Saharanpur, India
2. GNG Shopping Mall Multiplex/Theatre, Saharanpur
3. Public Library, Nagar Nigam, Saharanpur
Figure 4. Present condition of GNG Shopping Mall at Saharanpur, India
Figure 5. Present scenario of Cinemas/theatres at Saharanpur, India
Figure 6. Present scenario of the Public library at Saharanpur, India
And therefore, the Case Study counterpoint the issues of
the people and also gets crosschecked with the live situation
so that some alternative strategies and proposals must be
made in future to the existing problem.
The cinemas, theatres and shopping malls have opened
after a long break yet can be shut down at any time
(Theatres/Multiplexes got closed, Malls to stay open on
odd-even basis in New Delhi w.e.f from December 28, 2021
[23]) due to sudden increase in the number of cases of new
variant of COVID-19 i.e. OMICRON (B.1.1.529). Weekend
and night curfew from 10pm to 5am is imposed by the
government from 25th December 2021.
Therefore, the case studies do confirm the problems as
addressed in the questionnaires by the people and
professionals. So, according to the inquiry posed in the
survey questionnaire about what actually are the problems in
the selected congregational spaces as experienced are
elaborated via Google forms as follows:
Question 3) What are the problems that you’ve felt in the
following formal congregational spaces viz. (Cinemas /
Theatres, Libraries, Shopping Malls/Market areas, public
parks) due to COVID-19?) Please elaborate your answer
serial wise.
Response 3) Most of the reactions that got subsequent to
drifting the survey questionnaire are as follows:
1. Improper Planning and its upgradation with time.
2. Social issues
3. Public Rush
(Based on 45 responses)
6.3. Questionnaire Survey Analysis
Question 4) Will the area of congregational spaces change
in future w.r.t COVID-19?
Response 4) Yes (Based on 72 responses)
Question 5) As an architect what changes do you want to
suggest on the following spaces viz. (Cinemas/Theatres,
Libraries, Shopping Malls/Market areas, public parks) to
make the building/spaces corona proof?
Response 5) Most of the reactions that got subsequent to
drifting the survey questionnaire are as follows:
1. Having more mechanized systems
2. Natural ventilation
3. Exhaust system
4. Segregation
16 Abdul Qadir and Mohammad Arif Kamal: Architectural Design Retrofitting
of Congregational Public Spaces with Reference to COVID-19 Pandemic
5. Use of air purifiers
6. Providing more isolation zones/areas
(Based on 72 responses)
Question 6) Is there any scope for alternative strategies
currently (additions in designs and planning of spaces)
there in terms of architectural practices to cope up with
COVID-19?
Response 6) ‘Yes’ (Based on 72 responses)
Question 7) As COVID-19 is a global pandemic, so, how
can the current public spaces be altered to make them usable
in COVID-19 scenario, i.e. will their function change or not?
Response 7) Most of the reactions that got subsequent to
drifting the survey questionnaire are as follows:
1. Yes, Change in function
2. Scope for alternations
3. Renovation of public spaces
4. Implementation of new techniques
(Based on 72 responses)
7. Design Recommendations
The Analysis from Research Papers, Articles, Blogs and
Questionnaires oriented more towards Planning and Design,
Social Issues.
Planning and Design: Crowd Division / Equipment /
Accessories.
Social Issues: Not maintaining Social Distancing
Also having installation to novelty in the existing spaces,
equipment, mechanized Systems.
1. Fibre-Screen in existing structures between the chairs.
Figure 7. Graphical representation of installation of the fibre screens
Figure 8. The 3D view illustrating the fibre screens
2. Installing Capsule-Chairs for stop spreading of cross
infection thus cross maintenance and the proper utilization of
the same space.
Figure 9. Proposal design of the capsule chairs
3. Proposals to opt for Drive in Cinemas in future.
Figure 10. Drive in Cinemas as an alternative to the future
4. Making proposals for future prospects by installation
of Handrails or Glass walls to congregational spaces in
Shopping Malls.
Figure 11. Proposed design of handrails and glass walls to maintain social
distancing
Architecture Research 2022, 12(1): 12-18 17
5. Providing Isolation cubicles to prevent cross-infection.
It will also serves in helping the students to provide much
more concentrative environment while studying.
Figure 12. Proposed design of Isolation cubicle units
8. Conclusions
There can be shortage of space to design a new concept
and proposal especially focusing towards the COVID-19
pandemic. Thus, it had come to such an extent that healthcare
professionals had to take parks and playgrounds as
temporary Covid shelters during the time of strict lockdown
of Coronavirus pandemic. So, there must be some provisions
to be practiced from the root level itself, i.e. proposal of
designing such a space that can be easily transform into an
emergency shelter for the effected people or to have some
quick alternative strategies by making short interventions in
the existing structures. Therefore concluding the study
remarks that, if such sort of provisions get drilled in
Architecture then hopefully it can up come as an Alternative/
Post Implementation Strategies to Design and get prepared
for the pandemics.
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Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Scientific & Academic Publishing
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution International License (CC BY). http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
