Redesigning Ramsey County Public Areas in Response to COVD-19 Pandemic
In response to preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus, a series of public health concerns are driving the necessity to redesign and remodel public facilities. Some officers, especially government staff, require the ability for in-person interactions in their normal workplace. Because of the volume of users who come into contact with each other, the staff and community members are exposed to risks of contracting the infection. To mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on staff and visitors in the buildings, this research works on a literature review and redesigns government building typologies upon consideration of public health and user experience. The case study method is used in the research, incorporating an analysis of multiple data sources from articles, codes, webinars, protocols, and guidelines. This research, focusing on the East Building (Government Center) and Plato Building (Information and Public Records), proposes effective applications on space planning, material selection, and additional facilities to prevent the spreading of some pandemic infections. The purpose of the research is to develop new ways of working and user experience with community facilities in places to serve diverse demands in the COVID era and post COVID era.