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December 2020 \ BUILDING DIALOGUE \ 27 take away yet another surface for germs to spread. Long-term design solutions may include designing improved ventilation systemsby incorporating theuseofMERV-13 filters (msystems. asm.org/content/5/3/e00375-20) and considering the use of gen- der-neutral restrooms to eliminate uneven usage, crowding andwait time. • Vertical circulation. Arguably themost difficult concept tomaster duringapandemic is circulation. As creatures of hab- it, once a routine is learned, it is difficult to change it. How can building circulation be designed to decrease the spread of germs while maintaining efficient movement for buildingoccupants?Weproposeacoupleof ideas: Promote the use of stairs and encourage occupants to use one stair for trav- elingup and a separate for traveling down. If two elevators are available, the same would be encouraged; one for traveling up and the other for traveling down. Programming the elevator doors to sit open while at rest is another design opportunity that couldbe implementedquickly. A long-termsolutionmight consider the use of concierge style elevator call technology such as the viz mobile app or facial recognition allowing for touch-less elevator use ( thyssenkrupp-elevator.com.cn/en/cn/ covid-19/). This information is meant to serve as a starting point in the conversation around holistic design solutions for building lob- bies and entrances. If the design of building lobbies can more adequately control infection, preventing it from progressing beyond the lobby and making the space feel clean, then the building will be a healthier place in which to live, work, learn and heal. Note: Webb recently spearheaded a group of architectural and interior design experts across the firm, includingMeghan Bentheimer, Jeffrey Anderzhon, Nicole Conner, Emily Mc- Namara and Julie Graham, to develop a comprehensive study on design considerations for lobbies post pandemic. This arti- cle is an abridged guide to serve as a starting point in the con- versationaroundholistic design solutions for building lobbies and entrances. \\ kelseyw@eua.com ELEMENTS Lobby Design Nearly all built environments provide a seating area adjacent to the main entry.
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