MIX COVID-19 Case Study:
Institutional Entry Sequence
MIXdesign is conducting a comparative analysis of the public entry sequences—lobby, reception, wayfinding, restrooms, visitor circulation-- for three public institutional building types: cultural institutions (museums), higher education (residential colleges) and healthcare (hospitals). The outcome will be a Toolkit of design principles, prototypes, and recommendations, and participatory engagement protocols that can be adapted to meet the specific needs of retrofit and new construction projects.
This hypothetical scheme for a typical entry sequence at a residential college incorporates anti-microbial materials, touch free fixtures and ergonomic dimensions for a wide range of body types in motion and at rest. It is shaped by two design principles:
Media Microclimates: The proposal expands upon JSA/MIXdesign’s interior design approach that subdivides open spaces into Media Microclimates—clearly demarcated activity zones each with distinct visual, tactile, and acoustic properties that take into account activities, either programmed or unscripted, that take place at a range of scales and over different times of day.
Multi-sensory Wayfinding augments conventional signage and uses color, materials, lighting and acoustics to differentiate two kinds of legible activity zones —Barrier Free Circulation Paths and Media Microclimates-- clearly differentiated from one another in a way that balances social distancing and human connectivity. Rather than applied as an afterthought, social distancing markers are integrated into the design by treating them as visual cues that are conveyed by abstract floor patterns and alternating color-coded panels applied to restroom doors, lockers and seat cushions.
Hand Sanitizing Vestibule is conceived of as a transition vestibule where visitors can clean themselves at hand-sanitizing stations before entering the building. A central planter and separate entry/exit circulation aisles prevent unwanted collisions.
Transition Threshold demarcates the intersection where circulation paths cross to allow occupants of all abilities to slow down and acclimate to changes in direction.
Barrier Free Circulation defines a predictable, unobstructed path of travel that guides the movement of bodies in a way that reduces incidents of accidental contact with other people and building surfaces. It features a color-contrasting floor with a detectable edge for cane users and circulation wide enough for people to safely pass one another in two directions, including wheelchair users and pairs using sign language
Security/Reception: Visitors obtain multi-lingual information at an accessible reception desk with a multi-level transaction counter framed by the backdrop of an electronic message board.
Wellness Hub: No longer hidden down a corridor, the Stalled! Inclusive Restroom is conceived of as porous extension of the main entrance. It includes privacy stalls, hands-free communal sinks and toilets activated by motion sensors as well as lockers and spaces for prayer, caregiving and breast-feeding. Social distancing floor markers and color contrasting lockers and stall doors allow visitors the freedom to practice social distancing.
Calm Zone features semi-enclosed nooks for small-group conversations with adjustable low-level lighting that reduces unwanted stimulation for those on the ASD spectrum. It has comfortable high back seating and a visually calm background for viewing American Sign Language.
Media Microclimates are defined by sound absorbing oval carpets and suspended cones that absorb sound and emit intimate pools of glare-free light. Islands allow for individual or group interactions of different densities including individuals and small groups engaging with phones and laptops. Multi-height mobile modular seating can be reconfigured to accommodate social distancing.
