ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF COVID-19 HOSPITALS AND ARCHITECTURAL REMEDIES

Abstract

Pandemics, with their potential for widespread devastation and global impact, have historically been a critical concern for public health and society. the historical impact of pandemics on the environment underscores the interconnectedness of human lives and health, societal systems, and the environment, highlighting the need for holistic approaches to public health and environmental management. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in healthcare facilities worldwide, particularly in hospitals designated for COVID-19 patients to counter and serve the impact on humans which universally led to the rapid establishment of specialized hospitals to manage the surge in patients. However, such hospitals not only posed significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide but also highlighted the need for sustainable practices in designing and operating healthcare facilities along with their significant environmental impacts. In response to these challenges, architects, designers, and healthcare professionals have explored innovative architectural and other remedies to mitigate the environmental impacts of COVID-19 hospitals. This paper explores these potential environmental impacts and proposes architectural planning strategies that include sustainable practices and green design principles through which, by implementing, COVID-19 hospitals or similar hospitals can minimize their environmental footprint and contribute not only to a more sustainable healthcare system but also create healthier and more sustainable environments for patients, healthcare workers, and the community at large. KEYWORDS: Hospital Environmental Impact, Hospital Environment Relation, COVID-19 Hospital Impact on Environment, COVID-19 Hospital Impact, Environmental Impact of Pandemics, Pandemic Hospital Impact on Environment