Page 59 - Green Builder Nov-Dec 2020 Issue

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FOR A SUSTAINABLE
DESIGN FUTURE

window on “their side” and only necessarily
shared elements, like a corridor door and
mechanical unit/thermostat centrally
located. The bedroom shape would be
wide and shallow, allowing beds, desks and
closets to be located further apart.
“The two sides can be marked with oor
patterns and paint nishes to distinguish
the two zones within the room,” Koester
explains. “The two roommates will function
as a ‘family unit’ since they are, indeed,
sharing a room. These resident students
will have experienced the pandemic in their
formative years, and can rely on their prior
experiences to understand the importance
of appropriate space boundaries.”
New bathroom designs may favor a
clustered single-use bath arrangement
where private-use bathrooms—each
containing a toilet, lavatory (sink) and
shower—are located together. When Multiple access points. A new dorm bathroom design may feature clustered, private bathrooms with their own
grouped with a community lavatory area, toilets, sinks and showers, flanking a community lavatory area that offers opportunities for either social
this offers opportunities for socializing connection or privacy. COURTESY OF KWK ARCHITECTS
while still providing for privacy.
Two entrance/exit points to the facilities will allow for a one- Lobbies should be large enough to allow for pedestrian ow to
way tra„c pattern to be implemented when environmental health the elevators or stairs while social distancing, and elevators should
conditions warrant. The common lavatory area, with ample space be sized to accommodate multiple occupants at opposite corners.
between xtures, will allow for ease of hand washing, as well as Additional elevators may be needed to safely address reduced
a chance to chat with other residents while maintaining social elevator capacity due to social distancing restrictions.
distancing, Koester notes. Meanwhile, new staff training and Corridors will need to be of ample width, and preferably feature
procedures will be required to ensure a constant—or at least one or more small alcoves at regular intervals o‰ the main hallway,
much more frequent—cleaning cycle to safeguard the safety of and perhaps one or more small benches with views to the exterior.
all building users. These can serve as places to “step out” of the way and not be in the
tra„c ow.
INTERACTIVE ACTIONS Doors to bedrooms should be located in recessed pockets o‰ the
Social spaces, such as oor lounges and studies, will be sized and corridor, allowing a student to transition into the main corridor ow.
organized to allow for social distancing with distinct “stations” at Air ow exchange and mechanical systems may need to be
appropriate intervals, according to Koester. Areas can be demarcated reevaluated with more-frequent lter changes.
with oor patterns. “While the program for outdoor spaces in residence hall design has
Kitchen facilities should, ideally, be arranged for one-way always been important, this will take on a heightened importance
circulation and appliances spaced to permit multiple work areas in providing places where residents can go for relaxation and space-
with adequate bu‰ers between, Koester notes. And hand washing distant socializing, with individual areas articulated in the design
stations should be ample and su„ciently-spaced with accessories of the hardscape, landscape and outdoor furniture,” Koester says.
at each station. “Individual outdoor activities, like hammocking and swings, can o‰er
“It has always been important to provide a variety of social spaces places to unwind, while outdoor terraces and patios can o‰er places
that allow for a range of activities—[such as] ‘quiet’ to ‘active’ and for small groups to safely meet while social distancing.”
‘small group’ to ‘large group,’” she says. “But now, residence halls With careful and thoughtful planning, residence hall design can
should consider including single-person study spaces where a balance environmental health concerns and living preferences of
resident may go to focus on studies or simply decompress in a students and their families—and foster community interaction and
private, safe zone.” provide a nurturing environment, she adds. GB
Circulation spaces in residence halls will need to evolve, Koester
remarks. There are quite a few mandatory changes: Story courtesy of KWK Architects. With more than $ billion in
Entrances to buildings will need to be wider and feature multiple construction-valued projects since its founding in , KWK Architects
single-entrance doors to avoid compressing residents as they enter partners with colleges and universities across the United States to
the building. create innovative and inspiring places that enhance campus life.

www.greenbuildermedia.com November/December 2020 GREEN BUILDER 57

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