Designers and restaurateurs are brainstorming design fixes to make restaurants safer amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
For example, MASS Design Group, an architecture and design collective that has worked with Partners in Health to create safe, sanitary spaces during infectious disease outbreaks around the world, released Spatial Strategies for Restaurants in Response to COVID-19. This white paper advises several measures such as establishing a clearly defined exchange zone for transition of food, supplies, and people to and from the front of the eatery to the back where the kitchen is located.
It also says that the six-foot social distancing rule isn’t practical inside of most restaurants because it would mean reducing capacity by half or more. Instead, when possible, dining space should be expanded outside into public spaces such as sidewalks, streets, and plazas.
In addition, restaurants should post visible documentation of new protocols including PPE, temperature tests, publicly accessible hand washing stations, ordering and processing, and social distancing to boost public confidence. Highly legible signage that directs and manages the flow of people, including floor and wall markings, would enhance appropriate physical distancing.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Oct 10, 2018
Interactive heat maps track temperature ranges in U.S. cities
Urban heat island effect can vary by as much as 37°F in the same city.
Codes and Standards | Oct 9, 2018
Power systems will become more decentralized for better disaster resiliency
Businesses, homeowners will control more power-generation capacity.
Codes and Standards | Oct 5, 2018
Getting commitments from key subs critical on government contracts
Withdrawn subcontractor bids can be costly.
Codes and Standards | Oct 4, 2018
Internal watchdog says EPA falling short to protect school children from asbestos
Agency not conducting enough inspections, report says.
Codes and Standards | Oct 3, 2018
Climate change impacts could prompt realignment of assets for commercial property developers
Strategies include reducing exposure to properties in flood-prone areas.
Codes and Standards | Oct 2, 2018
Political will, tougher standards needed to reach carbon neutral goal
Stretch codes, more stringent credentials for designers, contractors, and inspectors may be needed.
Codes and Standards | Sep 27, 2018
Natural light is the most prized office perk
Employees crave sunshine and views of the outdoors more than cafeterias, fitness centers, and childcare.
Codes and Standards | Sep 26, 2018
Industry consensus needed for multifamily energy efficiency retrofit approach
Choice of insulating materials can impact indoor air quality, resident health.
Codes and Standards | Sep 25, 2018
New market forces disrupting global real estate development industry
Executives concerned about trade policy, labor shortages, approval processes.
Codes and Standards | Sep 21, 2018
More than 130 organizations petition OSHA to create heat protection standard for workers
Includes mandatory rest breaks, heat-exposure monitoring, record-keeping injury requirement.