COVID-19 AND PUBLIC SPACES; IMPROVING QUALITY AND FLEXIBILITY FOR INTERACTIVE PLACES THROUGH DESIGN

Cities are shaped and formed through urban settings and there are many factors which give it a final built form. Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) has changed many life patterns and has adversely affected livability of urban public spaces. Social distancing and masks have reduced the opportunities for people to interact with each other. Social life has also diminished to a great extent. This research aims to bring interventions in the design of urban open spaces to make it more flexible and healthier under the current pandemic situation. Thus, a qualitative study is conducted to cover all the aspects related to the pandemic, its history and how it has effected urban livability. Such design interventions in the urban built environment support the continuation of public life with the possibilities of healthier and pandemic resilient spaces. It brings forward strategies for better understanding of the situation and to provide awareness in general public. The research can be helpful for architects, designers and urban planners for making pandemic resilient urban spaces in the future. Keywords: Livability, Public spaces, Flexibility, Interactive places