An investigation into best practice room design measures for post COVID-19 high-density residential buildings in Bangkok

During the COVID-19 pandemic many members of the general public have had to both live and work at home for prolonged periods in dwellings that were not designed for long periods of occupy without break. Current high-density residential buildings are typically designed around the thought that occupants will usually not be staying within their dwellings for most of the day and are not generally designed to properly accommodate the needs of a wide range of generations, or individuals working from home. This study investigates how to improve the design of the flats for better practicality and liveability in the new normal and beyond. Also, the study examines best practice models and key factors affecting the lifestyle, health and well-being of target occupants. The research for this work has been conducted through both critical literature review and in-depth interviews based on qualitative research principles. The literature review primarily focused on factors that affect wellbeing based on the existing WELL Building Standard V2, with additional best practices being investigated as appropriate. Furthermore, analysis was undertaken on the effects of COVID-19 restriction measures on wellbeing and how these may be addressed in part through design. Primary research was conducted through in-depth interviews with high-density high-rise residential building occupants, and in-depth interviews with experts on residential design focusing on the health, wellbeing, and environ-mental impacts of design measures, and technological integration. The results from occupants’ interviews identified various challenges. These include unsuitable working space, especially for rooms with one to two occupants; too much natural light causing glare and visual strain in key parts of the room; insufficient ventilation; and air pollution. Recommendations given by the experts interviewed focused primarily on redesigning layouts to provide more space for working and active life activities; the need to optimise light levels, the need to improve air quality and ventilation; and the need to take other issues, such as the benefits of contact with nature, into consideration.

在新冠疫情（COVID-19）大流行期间，众多普通民众不得不在原本并非为无间断长期居住所设计的住宅中，长时间同时开展居家生活与办公活动。当前的高密度住宅通常基于“居住者每日多数时间不会留在住宅内”的理念进行设计，且普遍未能充分适配多代家庭成员，或是居家办公人群的各类需求。
本研究旨在探索如何优化公寓户型设计，以在疫情新常态及未来场景中提升住宅的实用性与宜居性。同时，本研究还将梳理优秀实践案例，并剖析影响目标居住者生活方式、健康与福祉的核心因素。
本研究采用批判性文献综述与基于质性研究原则的深度访谈相结合的研究方法。文献综述部分以现行的WELL建筑标准V2（WELL Building Standard V2）为核心框架，重点梳理影响居住福祉的各类因素，并酌情调研相关优秀实践。
此外，研究还分析了新冠疫情防控措施对居住福祉的影响，以及如何通过设计手段部分缓解此类影响。
本研究的一手调研通过两类深度访谈开展：一是对高密度高层住宅居住者的访谈，二是针对住宅设计领域专家的访谈，重点探讨设计策略与技术集成对居住健康、福祉及环境的影响。
居住者访谈结果揭示了诸多现存问题：包括适配性不足的办公空间（尤其针对1至2人居住的户型）；过多自然光导致室内关键区域产生眩光与视觉疲劳；通风条件不佳；以及空气污染问题。
受访专家提出的优化建议主要包括：重新调整户型布局以增设办公空间与日常活动空间；优化室内光照水平；改善空气质量与通风条件；以及将接触自然的益处等其他相关议题纳入设计考量范畴。