With the COVID-19 pandemic impacting businesses, education, and more throughout the country and the globe, New York has emerged as a hot spot. The result is that many structures and businesses built by architect firms in Elmsford, among others, have been adapted to meet the needs of people during this new normal. Here is how New York is adapting existing structures to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Creating Field Hospitals
One of the first things that was done in New York was to create field hospitals in various parks and other areas, including the world-famous Central Park. These field hospitals are frequently seen in war zones but have now been put into service during this pandemic. The result is an increase in the amount of beds for critical patients that need to be hospitalized.
At the same time, it has changed the landscape of Central Park, giving people less open space to take walks or enjoy fresh air during this time of stay at home orders.
The Javits Center
The Javits Center was originally repurposed from being a convention center into a field hospital that would accept non-COVID-19 patients to ease the burden on traditional hospitals. However, it quickly became apparent that there were not enough of these non-COVID patients and the Javits Center was sitting almost empty.
Since that initial decision, changes were made to allow the Javits Center to start accepting COVID-19 patients. It is staffed with doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Any patients that are not positive for the virus are being transferred to the Comfort, a Navy ship that is ready to receive them and can successfully quarantine any positive COVID-19 patients if necessary.
Turning Speedways into Testing Sites
Although Charlotte Motor Speedway is outside of New York, it is another example of how buildings and structures are being repurposed in light of the spread of COVID-19. Charlotte Motor Speedway is being turned into a Coronavirus Testing Center, allowing residents in several counties to have tests performed when ordered by their doctors. The idea is that potentially infected patients would be at less risk of exposing others by using one of these testing sites, where patients are separated because they do not even have to get out of their cars. Patients are tested with a swab and then notified when their results become available.
Libraries Being Repurposed
Libraries, which have been shuttered throughout the country, are being repurposed to create emergency care facilities for children of parents who are the front-line in the fight against COVID-19. This provides daycare options for those deemed to be essential workers. Other buildings are having similar changes made to reflect the demands of the time, far from what the architect firm may have originally intended.
Our team continues to provide our knowledge and expertise as a premier architect firm in Elmsford. Part of our work includes integrating environmentally friendly building materials, as well as looking for ways to reduce the building’s dependence on carbon fuel alternatives. If you are considering changes to your space, our team can help you to get started on planning and determining your options. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you to repurpose your own space.
Located in the Greater New York area, Jeffrey Jordan Architect specializes in the design of high-end projects such as luxury apartment and townhouse renovations, schools, churches, temples and offices.