The Design Innovation With a Biophilic Approach to Support the Temporary Conversion of Student Dormitory as a Covid-19 Isolation Shelter

Abstract

The increasing number of Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) cases in Bandung, Indonesia, in July 2021 resulted in a higher hospital bed occupancy rate. The conversion of two student dormitory buildings into isolation shelters is expected to accommodate COVID-19 patients who do not have rooms in the hospital. This requires specific planning and innovation, particularly for materials. This study has two objectives: first, to evaluate how long coronaviruses can remain active on different material surfaces. The data collection strategy was carried out through Systematic Review. The second research objective was to design a COVID-19 isolation room that uses materials that facilitate the healing process. Field surveys and traditional literature reviews were conducted for this purpose. This study found that the virus did not survive long on the surfaces of cotton and cardboard. Thus, the room design uses these materials and is considered a biophilic design. This study is expected to provide insights for academics and researchers in interior design and architecture regarding the knowledge of furniture materials that prevent viruses from surviving longer. In addition, it is expected to inspire interior designers to design rooms that can help the healing process using a biophilic approach.