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 | Sep 21, 2017
After construction crane collapses during Irma, regulations questioned
Cranes rated for 140 mph winds didn’t hold up to 100 mph gusts.
Codes and Standards | Sep 20, 2017
Energy efficiency measures pay off in some not-so-obvious ways
Access to better financing, tax incentives, rent premiums, among the benefits to greener buildings.
Codes and Standards | Sep 19, 2017
Benchmarking regulations prompt jump in green certified properties
2016 saw a slight rise in total certified U.S. green office space.
Codes and Standards | Sep 18, 2017
Changes likely to come to federal wetlands regulations
However, states may step up regulations as feds relax them.
Codes and Standards | Sep 14, 2017
Gentrification means a new mindset for city planners
Rising rents elicit reexamination of zoning principles.
Codes and Standards | Sep 13, 2017
OSHA issues extension for compliance with crane operator certification requirements
Comments on proposed rule sought through Sept. 29.
Codes and Standards | Sep 12, 2017
Washington, D.C. is first LEED Platinum city in the world
All city government buildings are powered by renewables.
Codes and Standards | Sep 11, 2017
Natural solutions would be most effective flood resilience policies for Houston
New green infrastructure should be part of rebuild.
Codes and Standards | Sep 8, 2017
Los Angeles luxury high-rise is first U.S. apartment building to achieve WELL Multifamily certification
Hollywood Proper Residences have verified indoor air and water quality features.
Codes and Standards | Sep 7, 2017
More than half of Houston properties at high or moderate risk of flooding are not in FEMA flood zone
Properties outside of these zones are not required to carry flood insurance.