The COVID-19 pandemic has redefined daily life. From working environments to required face coverings to food delivery to entertainment, the effects and aftermath of social distancing may be here for a very long time. These are uncharted waters and architecturally speaking, will no doubt have an impact on the design of future gathering spaces. Therefore, it is incumbent on the architectural community to look for ways to not only mitigate virus transmission, but to design safer gathering spaces.
As the current stay-in-place culture wears on (and wears thin), people are understandably looking for different ways to cope. Heading outside is becoming a popular way to reduce cabin fever. From community concerts held outdoors, musicians performing in courtyards at restaurants and bars, drive-in theaters, and even pop-up concerts on front yards, socially responsible activities happening outside are a growing trend.
As churches begin to reopen, health and safety guidelines are in place to help prevent new cases of COVID-19. But beyond best-practices of hand sanitizer stations, deep cleaning, and seating people six feet apart, the act of taking worship outside is worth considering.
