The Pandemic and the Designer
Ar. Maithili Raut
The life of a typical Mumbaikar has almost always involved a lack of space. We wake up to cramped rooms, we get cramped in our daily commute, then again at work, and ultimately come back home to a complete lack of personal space. A small benefit of the pandemic has been that people are really rethinking their lifestyles and priorities. We at reD were asked how we should conceptualise space in the post- Covid scenario. We do believe that this renewed vision on the importance of space at home is here to stay, even when the pandemic is dealt with. As homes begin to play greater roles in our daily lives, they will need to be flexible and adaptable in order to switch between varied activities and services within the same space.
Sanitised Entrances— Thresholds between Public and Private Domains
Carving out an ante chamber, or an entrance lobby so to speak, as a transitional space between the city and your home is an absolute must. Going back to our tradition of undoing shoes and outerwear before proceeding into the house is a good practice. This space could hold sanitising sprays for personal use as well as UV devices to test deliveries and goods that are brought into the house. A powder bath right off this space would also be useful, though that is hard to plan sometimes.
Flexibility and Adaptability
At this time when we are spending longer periods of time with our families, it is imperative to maximise on every inch of space in the house. Flexibility of spaces enabled through sliding doors and walls, partitions and adaptable furniture allow us to do this even in the smallest of homes. A family area at breakfast can become a home office den in the day and double up as an extra bed at night. Visual connections throughout the common areas of the family domain, such as the dining, living and kitchen all amalgamated into one big family hearth is ideal.
Natural Light and Ventilation
Fresh air has no substitute. Cross ventilation, courtyards, balconies or pockets of i ndoor plants are a real bonus. Nothing can substitute nature and i ts method of air purification. In addition, artificial air purification solutions such HEPA ( High- Efficiency Particulate Air) filtration, along with fresh air i nfusions and
UV l i ght units to kill bacteria and viruses, can further enhance air quality.
Outdoor Spaces
The pandemic post l ockdown has made parks, waterfronts, plazas and j ogging tracks extremely popular places to be i n. This i s a