The Best-fit Design of Future Homes in the Post-Pandemic Era: A Case Study in Iran

Abstract

The COVID-19 humanitarian situation is unparalleled, and there can be no return to the "old normal." According to reports, the COVID-19 Pandemic is now a significant public health issue that could have an influence on people's quality of life as well as environmental sustainability and social responsibility, as well as architecture and home designs. Bearing this in mind, this qualitative research was conducted to (1) to explore the extent to which the architects apply innovative strategies to fit the needs for the homes in the post-Pandemic era, and (2) to explore the architectural needs and wants of the residents in the post-Pandemic era. To fulfill these, semi-structured interviews were used to collect the data. A total of eight architects and ten residents living in apartment buildings were recruited by purposive sampling. The interviews were processed using thematic analysis. It was reported by majority of the architects that the most important innovative strategies to fit the needs for the homes in the post-Pandemic era are independent buildings, energy-related design changes, more human-centered design concepts, green open spaces, and advanced technology. As for residents, their architectural needs and wants in the post-Pandemic era were HVAC system, green open spaces, inappropriate designs, and lack of self-sufficient strategies. Further discussion on the findings have been reported in this research.