Planning for Safer Classrooms during COVID-19
As a response to the overwhelming needs of underrepresented communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, AOS Architects provided pro-bono services to the Philadelphia Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC). Philadelphia OIC is a nonprofit organization that assists the unemployed, homeless, and disadvantaged youth to achieve self-sufficiency and empowerment. OIC offers a complete high-school curriculum, job training, and other human services in their facility located on North Broad Street.
AOS surveyed the existing OIC spaces, held programming sessions to evaluate class sizes and scheduling criteria, and created floor plans of their spaces. The plans enable OIC to rearrange their classrooms and other spaces to maintain social distancing recommendations. The strategies AOS developed for Philadelphia OIC can be used by other schools to resume classes during COVID-19.
Evaluating the Safe Return to Educational Spaces
Accurate Surveying
It’s important to know how large classrooms, corridors, and gathering spaces are, and to have accurate counts and types of desks, chairs, and tables.
Determining Occupancy
With a precise space plan in hand, safe occupancy can be determined. Furniture can be arranged to maximize the amount of occupants while keeping students a minimum of 6’ apart. Leaving enough room for circulation is critical.
Re-programming Spaces
It may be necessary to reprogram large common areas or cafeterias to accommodate classes. Outdoor spaces can more easily be safely repurposed as lunch and community space.
Directing Circulation Paths
One-way circulation in corridors reduces face-to-face contact when moving from classroom to classroom. Simple signage on the walls or floors reminds students to move safely.
Implementing Smart Policies
Appropriate space planning is only one aspect of health, safety, and wellbeing for school environments. Schools must engage the community to practice preventative behaviors, implement mitigation strategies, maintain a clean and healthy environment, evaluate schedule alternatives, develop plans for when a student or staff tests positive for COVID-19, and communicate these policies with the entire community. The CDC has detailed recommendations for school Administrators at this link.