Reopening America: Strategies for safer buildings

People walking in to and out of building entrance

The COVID-19 pandemic has risked the public's health and safety in buildings across the US and beyond. As states began reopening communities, AIA embarked on an initiative to explore how design strategies, backed by science, can be a public health solution. “Reopening America: Strategies for Safer Buildings,” is intended to provide design professionals, employers, building owners, and public officials with tools and resources for reducing risk when re-occupying buildings during the pandemic.

As part of the initiative, the AIA convened a team of architects, public health experts, engineers, and facility managers who conducted virtual design charrettes to develop strategies for:

reducing the spread of pathogens in buildings,
accommodating physical distancing practices,
promoting mental well-being, and
fulfilling alternative operational and functional expectations.

The team developed strategies based on emerging science, infectious disease transmission data, epidemiological models, and research.

Outcomes from the charettes were used to develop new and enhanced tools that provide processes and strategies for protecting the health and safety of the public while resuming services. It is important to note that the reports below are intended to be be cross referenced.