The current COVID situation in most countries across the globe is easing and this has resulted in relaxing the COVID prevention guidelines as well. This means that people can now go back to their workplace and gradually start their routine lives. However, the danger has not been averted yet as there are still high chances of contracting infection if and when the employees come in contact with each other.

With the lockdown in various countries being gradually lifted, organisations need to find smarter and more conscious ways to keep the virus at bay while their employees work in close proximity with each other. The reason for this added alertness is that it is very difficult to follow social distancing guidelines when employees work with each other.

Moreover, recent study of the COVID outbreaks conveys that people working in enclosed spaces have a high chance of contracting the virus. Also, the air quality that circulates in these enclosed spaces with recycled air being used is all the more a cause of worry. Enclosed spaces account for over 90% of COVID infections!

Hence, to reduce these risks in enclosed spaces, Digital Blue Foam, a Singapore-based software design firm working for the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, has come up with an innovative and smart tool to battle this area of concern. Called the COVID Space Planner, this tool was first introduced by the firm on May 18, 2020 to help keep workplaces safe.

This tool uses a lot of AI technology and analyses factors like total occupancy, proximity, airflow, ventilation and the duration of activity in an enclosed space. After the analysis the tool uses the generative design capabilities developed by Digital Blue Foam to suggest innovative ideas of workplace spaces such as entry point locations, work areas, furniture placements, retrofits, etc. to limit exposure to the virus.

Features of COVID Space Planner:

Some features of the COVID Space Planner are:

• Importing exiting layout as an image to locate the existing seating areas, air conditioning zones, entry and exit points, circulation routes, fire exits, etc.
• Identify risk areas where the virus is most exposed to people via air circulation.
• Use Generative Design Capabilities to come up with innovative interior designs based on the occupancy density in different areas.
• Export 3D layouts and visuals.

This tool will be available as a free version for small business owners. The tool’s beta version will be released at a later date.