Volume 6, Issue 1, January – 2021 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology

ISSN No:-2456-2165

Post Pandemic Architecture –

Importance of Private Open Space
PRIYA HINGONEKAR
Student , SOA IPS Academy
CO - AUTHOR : AR.HARSHIKA SAHAY KEMKAR
Asst. Professor , SOA IPS Academy

Open space is not a luxury – It is a necessity for II. ORIGIN OF PANDEMIC

healthy existence
Quote by - Allan Rackman At the end of 2019, Wuhan a rising business hub of
china encountered by novel coronavirus . In first 50 days of
Abstract:- The aim of this research is to focus on the breakout more than 1800 people were killed and 70000
importance of private open space in a residential people were affected . The virus was proclaimed to be a
building . In this new form of lifestyle , it is mandatory to member of the B group of coronavirus. Chinese researchers
change our daily habits , keep ourselves isolated titled this virus as Wuhan coronavirus or 2019 Novel
whenever necessary , spending a large portion of time in coronavirus.
disinfect our homes and belongings and lower the social
and physical contacts to a minimum . But the fact is- we It was first spotted in Wuhan , China in December
require certain level of social interaction , physical 2019 as the ongoing pandemic was triggered by severe acute
activities , work and finding new ways of spending good respiratory syndrome coronavirus. It became a public health
time in this challenging situation . All we need is new emergency of international concern in January 2020 andin
feasible solution for built environment for post pandemic march 2020 it was acknowledged as pandemic.
era. Followed methodology is in such a way that from
identifying the problem , shaping of aim , objectives and 2.1SPREAD OF PANDEMIC
scope of work . Leading towards literature study and Coronavirus (SARS-COV-2) spreads through a close
landing on analysis and finding ,the whole cumulative communities from person to person .When infected person
process helps to shape conclusion. breathe out or cough , they throw out tiny droplets that
contains the virus . These beads can go into the mouth or
I. INTRODUCTION nose of other person living without virus , and make that
person infected . This illness spreads most commonly by
Recently we have come across a scenario, where close contact within around 6 feet , with an infected person.
disease and architecture comes together and fear of
pestilence controls what kind of spaces we should live in . 2.2 CHALLENGES IN PANDEMIC
As pandemic and our cumulative experiences of staying Covid-19 is extremely affecting lives around the globe
locked for months definitely influence the future .Segregation , contact reduction along with economic
ofarchitectural approach . As in pandemic, it was advice shutdown urgesa complete change to the psychosocial
able to be parked ourselves in our home , our dwelling is environment of affected children , adolescents and their
preferably a safer place. It also leads to breaking of outdoor families in a unusual way . Schools and colleges have been
world into social distanced zones. closed , social contacts strongly restricted and outdoor
leisure activities cancelled.
Nature's solution play a vital role to boost nations
recovery from current crisis. Adding ample open spaces External help by other family members and social
where people live and work reduces the impact of corona support systems have fallen away . Beside all worries and
virus. The availability of open space for fresh air , workout , anxieties associated to Covid-19 , the economic state has
mental calmness is beneficial for physical health as well as worsened with high rising level of unemployment . This has
mental health . It is specially demanding for people living in put a lot of constraint on children , adolescents and their
apartments or any other such place without gardens or any families which could result in distress , mental health
kind of open space for enhancing the quality of life.Open problems and violence.
space with vegetation along with water feature within the
building generates breathing space for inmates.

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Volume 6, Issue 1, January – 2021 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
2.3CHANGE IN LIFESTYLE DURING PANDEMIC space with lots of greenery adds an aesthetic value to a
First, Covid-19 has specified a massive lift to online property. The call for open spaces and the willingness to pay
learning around the world. Online education has got a major for such residences drives the price higher .
boost. Different organizations like educational , institutional
and business etc has taken virtual interaction to an another  SOCIAL BENEFITS
level by offering online classes , coachings, meetings in an Well , all open space encourages more and more social
innovative way to retain their audience curved at these times interaction among the residents. It becomes center stage
of lockdown. among the people when it comes to built social relationship
whether it would be listening stories by grandparents ,
Second , people have become more hygiene responsive playing with siblings or spending time with parents , along
simultaneously started taking care of personal hygiene more with safety and security . Another beneficial activity is
seriously . The custom of washing hands , sanitizing things community farming within individual dwelling . Gardening
before use , that established as a compulsion - is becoming a and physically working with plants and soil is very relaxing
habit.
 ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
Third , work from home is a major substitute that has Carving more open space is one of a way to promote
become a part of everyone’s life . Many organizations has greenery and protect natural environment , which proves
been practicing it with perfection Covid-19 has pulled it to beneficial for human in improving quality of life . Trees and
another level. shade attract birds which gives the calming scenic views to
our eyes .Greenery , even in small doses improves air
III. WHATIS PRIVATE OPEN SPACE ? quality of a space . As pollution level keeps rising ,this
become essential factor for better health.
Private open space is a piece of land with a water body
designed or amalgamated within an area and delegated to 3.2 TYPES OF OPEN SPACE
stay that way. These private open spaces may be in a form
of garden , lawns tree – lines pathway to walk , courtyard , 3.2.1Building with Front yard
artificial pond etc . All though used as well landscape
gardens , playground , swimming pool ,workout space ,
jogging track etc. Most of these spaces are furnished with a
part of flora – carpet of grass , a few shrubs or full fledged
trees. These pockets of open space with greenery add a
pinch of reviving nature to our concrete jungle.

3.1 ADVANTAGES OF OPEN SPACES IN A

RESIDENTIAL BUILDING –

Plan Section
FIGURE 2- Building with Front yard

Front yard is green open space in front of built block

consisting of trees, shrubs, plants, walking area (paving),
parking area etc. It is used for different outdoor activities by
the residents . It provides exposure of sunlight, fresh air and
nature , also allows it to enter into the building
simultaneously the indoor spaces can also be enlighten by
FIGURE 1 natural light and fresh air , which provides healthy impact
on residents health.
 HEALTH BENEFITS
Open spaces have the elegant outcome of positive In the hard time of covid-19 pandemic this plays an
upliftment for both physical and mental health. Studies important role. As everyone was asked to stay in their home.
suggest that taking off just 20 mins. from busy schedule to It is very difficult for all to live without any kind of social
connect with nature can immensely reduce stress. Passive interaction , without going to work place , without going to
relaxation like a walk along the tree-lined shaded pathways morning /evening walk /gym /or any other physical health
after having meal or leisurely barefoot on grass bed. center . It is more difficult for children to locked in bounded
area. Their physical &mental health affects the most .It is a
 ECONOMIC BENEFITS semipublic – semiprivate type of space, which gives you the
Open spaces also have economic benefits too . With interaction with outside world like views of streets and
the passage of time , humans get modern day by day,but the neighboring space. Feels you like you are almost on the
affection for nature remains same . Well designed open street .

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Volume 6, Issue 1, January – 2021 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
3.2.2 Building with court yard Backyard is type of open space located at the
back of building mass in a plot . It is private space used
by residents . It functions same as front yard do in terms
of natural light and air . If it lies in south direction then
can be effectively used as kitchen garden , where anyone
can grow vegetables and fruits for their own , which
proves to be good for health without any harmful
chemicals .Exposure to sun also disinfectant surface/
spaces . One of the recalled aspect in covid-19 where
we used to keep things out to kill germs . Used for
workout which hinder in pandemic due to shut down of
Plan View gyms.
FIGURE 3 – Building with courtyard
3.2.4 Building with open space all around
Courtyard isa open space in a building which is
surrounded by building mass from all four sides. It is private
type of space used by residents for recreational purpose . It
is helpful to bring sunlight fresh air into the building .As in
pandemic , where whole world is suffering , need for open
space to breath increases. Advantages of courtyard is that , it
scattered natural light and air in all its peripheral space by
which more and more part of resides gets it all . It proves to
be best place for social interaction of home mates.Courtyard
provides the ability to have a permanent fresh healthy air
quality through natural ventilation which is also provided to
its surrounding rooms. Plan View
FIGURE 5 -Building with open space all around
3.2.3 Building with Backyard
Having building with open space all around is a good
source of natural light in all spaces as it increases the
surface area for opening and also exposureto interact with
nature . Lush green gardens can be created , sitting space
to focus on work , any water body to compliment with
greenery as it develops cozy environment to reduce
stress / tension etc . Different recreational activities can
take same time . It also providesthe combination of sun
and shade at a time . At some part of land - it is sun where
as on other part of land -it is shade , different activities
Plan Section can take part according .
FIGURE4 - Building with backyard

Detach house Semi detach house Row housing Multi storey housing Apartment building

Front yard Possible Possible May Possible Not Possible Not Possible
Courtyard Possible may May Possible May or may not be Not Possible
Possible Possible
Backyard Possible Possible May Possible Not Possible Not Possible
Space all Possible Three side Possible Not Possible Not Possible Not Possible
around
Balcony Possible Possible Possible Possible Possible
Terrace Possible Possible Possible Not Not
Possible Possible
(Note – Private open space available for single family .)
Table 1 - Possibility of private open space in different residential dwelling.

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Volume 6, Issue 1, January – 2021 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165

3.3IMPORTANCE OF PRIVATE OPEN SPACE IN will surely switch in a small space , it is mandatory to bring
PANDEMIC the outside in just to be free to stand on a balcony and
An open space can be used for various recreational breathe fresh air is being cherished now. The pandemic has
purposes like a Jogging , play area for kids and mini changed our relationship with our homes, possibly
gardens in a home . A carefully crafted open space not permanently.
only increases the aesthetic appeal of the building but also
has numerous benefits to the residents mental and physical 4.1 IMPORTANCE OF OPEN SPACE
health. An open space used for various recreational Amidst bustling townships, concrete jungles, and
purposes encourages the residents to perform various virtual interactions, the tranquil effects of nature and open
physical activities likeexercise , morning walks and yoga spaces are often forgotten. Meanwhile, due to the abundant
that contribute to their well-being. It provides a healthy lifestyle changes, stress has become an inevitable part of
amount of ventilation to the residents , which helps them every person’s life. With people locked in their homes, the
remain fresh. Kids can also use the open space for various need for open spaces has taken centerstage.Terraces and
outdooractivities , which keep them fit and have a positive balconies are valuable spaces in a house because it offers
impact on their growth. It is an essential element in direct contact with the outside, as well as helps us to take
residential layout including open space like balconies , our minds off things. Apart from cherishing good weather, a
lawns , courtyard , terraces and gardens etc . These spaces terrace maximizes the space of a house, if managed well,
lay out a private space for residents to play , relax and even helps save energy. It can be used as a space to add
,communicate , and enjoy natural constituent such as trees a touch of greenery .
and vegetation which turn the atmosphere more attractive .
4.2 HOW OPEN SPACE USED IN PANDEMIC
IV. ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS People across the country have been using their
balconies and terraces as an escape from the four walls of
Everything from scratch to having a well lit , their houses while maintaining the social distancing
ventilated airy room to set down indoor plants for a protocol. These spaces have become the new ‘cool spot’ for
particular space , this little things now matter . A lot of small various activities, which earlier mostly fell under the
yet notable changes are directly influencing individualsyield "outdoor" section. Daily life has been transformed for
. In the past , it was favoured to enclose outdoor space hundreds of millions of people as the coronavirus pandemic
because it seems that space to be more worthly inside . That prompts unprecedented lockdowns.

View Activity Inferences

Fitness enthusiasts really miss working In lockdown where gyms and other
out. But unlike many of us, some people fitness centres were shut . People were
did not let the lockdown stop them from finding new ways to keep themselves fit
doing their daily workout. They have within their own private space. This
their ways to train and keep themselves indicates the need of openness among
in shape. people .

People like singing enthusiast , theatre Here balcony gave an opportunity to

artist ,musician etc did musical concert people for community interaction while
in their balconies to keep their and others maintaining social distancing .
spirit up .

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Volume 6, Issue 1, January – 2021 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
Pets enjoy outing on terrace , Not only humans are suffering but pets
plays with their care taker as they also also get affected by this pandemic as
feel depressed and bore same as we feels they are also restricted to stay at home
. They also need exposure toward .They need some space to play ,sit , roam
natural beauty for happiness. ,where they can see sunrise ,clear sky
,breathe fresh air which makes them
happy and healthy .

Table 2 – Open space use for various activities in pandemic

V. CONCLUSION

 Open space will become more dominant than floor space

The lockdown in this pandemic has reinforced the
requirement for private open space , it can be courtyard ,
lawn , balcony , terrace etc, or in other words simply an area
to access natural environment and sunlight from inside . It is
also known from studies that people with deficiency in
vitamin D are more vulnerable to novel corona virus further
required exposure of sunlight .

We can add plants to the house , which bring

positively and helps to reduce stress level at certain extent .
Not everyone can have a backyard or a garden , but atleast a
balcony is mandatory now . I believe , if someone spend
whole day locked in a particular space , at some point it gets
depressing and need positive energy to overcome sadness .
People are becoming more aware about lowering their
carbon foot print on the planet . Including indoor plants ,
green walls , flower bed , etc has a extreme effect on
occupant well – being .

REFERENCES

[1]. Mahima group:2019.Advantages of open space in a

residential building .
[2]. Adarshgroup :2019. Importance of open space in a
residential project by .
[3]. Amar Tendulkar:2020. Balconies and decks re-emerge
in Covid -19 era by architect and interiorindia.
[4]. Vittoria traverse :2020.Why do balconies inspires us
by.
[5]. Abhishekchaddha :2020.The importance of open living
space by architect and interior india.
[6]. Alison Brooks :2020. Housing after coronavirus
should feature more balconies by.
[7]. www.dezeen.com
[8]. www.sciencedirect.com
[9]. www.sciencedaily.com
[10]. www.architecturaldigest.com
[11]. www.mentalhealth.org
[12]. www.architectandinteriorindia.com
[13]. www.re-thinkingthefuture.com
[14]. www.99acres.com

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