To read this content please select one of the options below:

Investigation of spatial configuration management on social distancing of recreational clubhouse for COVID-19 in Penang, Malaysia

Nur Adibah Binti Abdul Nasir (School of Housing Building and Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Butterworth, Malaysia)
Ahmad Sanusi Hassan (School of Housing Building and Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Butterworth, Malaysia)
Fatemeh Khozaei (Department of Architecture, Islamic Azad University Kerman Branch, Kerman, Iran)
Muhammad Hafeez Bin Abdul Nasir (School of Housing Building and Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Butterworth, Malaysia)

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation

ISSN: 2398-4708

Article publication date: 22 December 2020

Issue publication date: 2 November 2021

694

Abstract

Purpose

Since the appearance of COVID-19 social distancing and staying home have been recommended repeatedly by the governments for disease prevention. As the challenge continues to remain the current study seeks to examine the factors affecting social distancing through space planning and management. More specifically the current study aims to examine the appropriateness of the spatial organization and space configuration of a clubhouse with a linear plan layout in the mitigation of the spread of infections due to serious pandemic COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

For an enhanced understanding of the impact of spatial arrangements of public spaces plan on the effective implementation of social distancing this study has used the space syntax analysis method. The MPSP clubhouse building in Penang, Malaysia was selected as the case study. The level of permeability and wayfinding were determined in the building plan and were illustrated using photoshop software to depict the interrelation between the indoor spaces and building circulation. Graphs of the depth of space were used to analyze the level of permeability and wayfinding to illustrate the possibility of social distancing in the plan.

Findings

The result of the study shows the significant role of proper plan layout design on social distancing. While clear and direct wayfinding can positively be associated with more effective social distancing, the inefficient design of user access, inappropriate locations of multiple entry and exit and indefinite directions of users' inside buildings can impose slight limitations. The average level of permeability might suggest ineffective spatial arrangement, ignoring the needs of spatial segregation. The study further found that the linear plan layouts with proper zoning and effective management strategies can be considered a proper layout to facilitate social distancing and the spread of COVID-19.

Originality/value

The current study is unique in terms of examination of the spatial configuration of linear public spaces plan layout for possible temporary adaptability to curb disease spread during the unexpected advent of a pandemic. Based on researchers' best of knowledge it is the first time that the impact of recreational space design on social distancing has been examined. The study also originally sheds light on the fact that the commonly used guideline for the social distancing of 1–2 m between 2 persons, in reality, is practically inadequate given the nature of the sports activities.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

This research study is financially supported by Universiti Sains Malaysia under Bridging Grant No. 304.PPBGN.6316521. The Authors would like to express their gratitude to Universiti Sains Malaysia for this support.

Citation

Abdul Nasir, N.A.B., Hassan, A.S., Khozaei, F. and Abdul Nasir, M.H.B. (2021), "Investigation of spatial configuration management on social distancing of recreational clubhouse for COVID-19 in Penang, Malaysia", International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, Vol. 39 No. 5, pp. 782-810. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJBPA-08-2020-0072

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited

Related articles