Maayan Fadida

Design as a tool for minimizing coronavirus transmission in public transportation. 

Abstract: 

As reported by the world health organization, by the end of October 2020, more than 45M people worldwide tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Death toll up to 1.20M across the globe has motivated both the scientific community and privet sectors to search for means to control the spread of the pandemic. While typical precautions for protecting the population, such as wearable protection and social distancing, are being implemented, strategies for adjusting spatial configurations to reduce further transmission pathways are still largely missing. The design and planning decisions taken in order to shape our surroundings has a profound impact on indoor bacteria communitys. This research hypothesis argues that there is a correlation between the design and arrangement of space, the way individuals use and interact in that space, and viral infections transmission pathways formed by space and objects design. Based on this hypothesis, the research question focuses on the influence of the public transportation vehicle architecture and objects design on COVID-19 transmission pathway through bacteria residue on shared surfaces. We ask whether spatial and objects design of public transportation vehicles minimize transmission of viral disease. Our Research aim is to better understand the role of COVID-19 transmission pathways in ground transport and public aviation. Identify common surfaces which may play a role in onwards transmission. Assess design-based interventions that may reduce the transmission of infections in public transportation. Research results can be used to create informed design alterations that will reduce transmission and allow safer usage of public transportation.