Investigation of spatial configuration management on social distancing of recreational clubhouse for COVID-19 in Penang, Malaysia

Abstract

PurposeSince the appearance of COVID-19 social distancing and staying home have been recommended repeatedly by the governments for disease prevention. As the challenge continues to remain the current study seeks to examine the factors affecting social distancing through space planning and management. More specifically the current study aims to examine the appropriateness of the spatial organization and space configuration of a clubhouse with a linear plan layout in the mitigation of the spread of infections due to serious pandemic COVID-19.Design/methodology/approachFor an enhanced understanding of the impact of spatial arrangements of public spaces plan on the effective implementation of social distancing this study has used the space syntax analysis method. The MPSP clubhouse building in Penang, Malaysia was selected as the case study. The level of permeability and wayfinding were determined in the building plan and were illustrated using photoshop software to depict the interrelation between the indoor spaces and building circulation. Graphs of the depth of space were used to analyze the level of permeability and wayfinding to illustrate the possibility of social distancing in the plan.FindingsThe result of the study shows the significant role of proper plan layout design on social distancing. While clear and direct wayfinding can positively be associated with more effective social distancing, the inefficient design of user access, inappropriate locations of multiple entry and exit and indefinite directions of users' inside buildings can impose slight limitations. The average level of permeability might suggest ineffective spatial arrangement, ignoring the needs of spatial segregation. The study further found that the linear plan layouts with proper zoning and effective management strategies can be considered a proper layout to facilitate social distancing and the spread of COVID-19.Originality/valueThe current study is unique in terms of examination of the spatial configuration of linear public spaces plan layout for possible temporary adaptability to curb disease spread during the unexpected advent of a pandemic. Based on researchers' best of knowledge it is the first time that the impact of recreational space design on social distancing has been examined. The study also originally sheds light on the fact that the commonly used guideline for the social distancing of 1–2 m between 2 persons, in reality, is practically inadequate given the nature of the sports activities.

The impact of COVID-19 on visitors' wayfinding within healthcare centers

“…The other notable point can be related to the substantial efficacy of COVID-19 on reducing tendencies for the establishment of social interactions among visitors. This issue may lead the visitors to acquire a sense of social isolation, which based on previous studies, negatively affects their mental well-being [94] . In relation to the impact of COVID-19 on the wayfinding procedure of visitors, the majority of participants in the interview corroborated their sense of confusion throughout the process of identifying their destinations.…”

Overview of the Role of Spatial Factors in Indoor SARS-CoV-2 Transmission: A Space-Based Framework for Assessing the Multi-Route Infection Risk

“…Potentially effective interventions for the building include: (1) Spatial measures need to be implemented according to on-site ventilation conditions, population density, occupant behavior and spatial conditions. For example, dividing the office area into smaller units to avoid excessive crossing of routes and large-scale aerosol diffusion could be an effective measure under normal- or high- efficiency ventilation conditions [ 80 , 94 ]. However, with poor ventilation, aerosols in cubicles cannot be diluted by clean air and are more likely to accumulate in the room, leading to high infection risk of occupants.…”

“…Integrated and intelligible structures have been shown to enhance movement volume in more accessible and central places, as well as the number and variety of microbes [ 79 ]. Abdul et al [ 80 ] quantified the impact of spatial permeability and wayfinding levels ( Table 6 ) on COVID-19 transmission and social distancing using an analysis method of space syntax, and the results showed that clear and direct spatial organization was associated with more effective social distancing. Compared with the grid plan, the linear-plan layout is considered to reduce the risk of user crossing due to its convenience of pathfinding.…”

A dynamic physical-distancing model to evaluate spatial measures for prevention of Covid-19 spread

“…Thus, many countries that have experienced increasingly severe outbreaks have implemented population-level physical-distancing measures and movement restrictions, such as business closures, community lockdowns, and the cancellation of large-scale public gatherings, which have slowed the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 [4] . However, the effects of spatial configurations on physical distancing-based attempts to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission remain unclear [5] , [6] . Specifically, despite the consensus that physical distance should be maintained between people [6] , there are few data and even less agreement on what kinds of spatial layouts are needed and what proportion of physical isolation is required on a micro-scale.…”