Architecture of care during Pandemics
This session will examine the importance of the creation and utilization of space in hospital and clinic settings from different experts’ perspectives during moments of crises such as pandemics.

Diana C. Anderson, MD, M.Arch: Clinicians for Design, VA Boston Healthcare System
Title: Designing for Health Equity 
A growing body of research demonstrates that architecture is an important determinant of health. The current COVID-19 pandemic has exposed inequities in care delivery and health outcomes due to the built environment. Historical examples of the convergence of hospital architecture and medical practice exist. The design of the tuberculosis sanatorium during the early 20th century illustrates this infrequent intersection; the healthy building emphasizing contact with nature, developed to prevent the spread of contagions by isolating patients and preparing them for a return to normal life. In the context of the current global pandemic, we can revisit the sanatorium model to de-medicalize architecture, and emphasize infection prevention and control. COVID-19has highlighted the need for design thinking in healthcare to generate innovative solutions. This session addresses the built environment alongside other parameters of care, analogous to our medical interventions. How we might seek to harness this collaborative mindset and move towards shared knowledge is explored. It is imperative that we consider a convergence of the healthcare and design fields in order to promote innovative solutions to augment built environment resilience and subsequently support safe, efficient and equitable care.

More information about the event is available HERE.