Redefining the Role of Architecture during the Pandemic Crisis

Abstract

[ES] This paper focuses on the two-way relationship between a pandemic and architecture. Architecture serves human needs, adapts to them and evolves because of them. This study aims to investigate the issues and challenges that arose in modern housing during the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. A historical review of the pandemics which have plagued humanity is briefly described. Pandemics, as global emergencies, affect human life, the places where the individual is active, and, consequently, the architectural structures. For this reason, the main tool of the study was a questionnaire that was developed and distributed to young people aged between 18 to 35, living in European cities with a population of more than one million. In this way, an initial study was conducted to find out about ways of living during the pandemic and to question how modern architecture will be affected by the current pandemic. In a big part, World War II has formed the current complex housing structures in the modern world. Today, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the current transitional era has brought changes to peoples' lifestyles. The paper continues with the presentation and analysis of the questionnaire’s answers and records the houses’ current issues due to this crisis. The study concludes with certain themes of potential design and environmental strategies for sustainable housing, to improve the individuals' quality of life.