PANDEMICS

 

Design aspects of the Open Space Museum in regard to Pandemic Circumstances.

 

I Social Distancing and Capacity Limits.

Flow: The OSM was designed to prevent groups of people from passing through it simultaneously. The passageways throughout the OSM are sized to accommodate the movement of a single person. Additionally, most pathways are designed to support one-way traffic, minimizing the risk of cross-contact between visitors.

Gathering: There are no large open spaces within the OSM where larger groups can assemble. If groups wish to gather, they would need to do so outside the OSM structure.

II Contactless Interactions

Information about the Open Space Museum (OSM) and its contents is accessible exclusively through mobile devices. QR codes are placed throughout the OSM, allowing visitors to use the Engagement Apps, which offer information and digital interaction on a virtual level, as well as access to the AR artworks displayed within the museum.

III Hygiene Protocols

As a standard measure for pandemic situations, hand sanitizer stations are provided at entry points, exits, and throughout the exhibit area. Although there are relatively few high-touch surfaces (e.g., exhibit panels, seating), these are regularly cleaned and disinfected. Additionally, since the Open Space Museum is outdoors and built with metal and glass—materials that do not easily harbor bacteria or viruses—it offers a naturally safer environment.

IV Social Elements:

The Museum offers a range of so-called "social elements," designed to provide visitors to the OSM with spaces to relax and unwind, allowing them to enjoy the experience without necessarily engaging with the artworks on display. These elements include the following: 

Hammocks: These are provided where visitors can lie down, relax, or even sleep as they wish. For safety, they are positioned two meters above the ground, keeping users out of the visitor traffic flow and somewhat isolated—making them a COVID-safe option. The materials chosen to fabricate the hammocks are ideal because they are durable, quick-drying, easy to clean, and resistant to microbial growth, ensuring both safety and comfort. These materials include parachute nylon, polyester, and PVC-coated mesh, which offer a combination of reliability and easy maintenance for pandemic-safe conditions.

Lounge Chairs: These are also provided, designed to accommodate one or two people sitting together. Naturally, sitting together is only recommended for people who live in the same household. These chairs, called "Together Forever Chairs," aim to raise awareness about social distancing, highlighting the difference in its practice between those who share their lives and strangers. A QR code on the chairs provides visitors with information on the proper use of the chairs and guidelines for maintaining safety during a pandemic.

Note: The "Together Forever Chairs" are made from materials that are durable, quick-drying, easy to clean, and resistant to microbial growth, ensuring both safety and comfort for visitors. The seating surface is constructed from high-pressure laminate (HPL), a durable, scratch-resistant material commonly used in furniture and countertops. HPL is easy to maintain, available in wood-grain finishes, and highly resistant to moisture and microbial growth, making it ideal for pandemic-safe seating solutions.

 

 All Possible Regulations 

 

1. Health and Safety Measures

Social Distancing:

  • Ensure exhibits are spaced apart to allow a minimum of 1.5 meters between visitors (front to back).

  • Mark walking paths and queuing areas with distance indicators.

Capacity Limits:

  • Set a maximum number of visitors allowed in the museum area at any given time

  • Implement timed entry slots to control crowding.

Hygiene Protocols:

  •  Provide hand sanitizer stations at entry, exit, and throughout the exhibit area.

  • Regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces (e.g., exhibit panels, seating).

2. Face Coverings and PPE*

Mandatory Masks:

  • Require visitors and staff to wear face masks, especially in covered or enclosed areas.

  • Provide masks for those who do not have their own.

Staff PPE:

  • Ensure staff handling visitor interactions or assembling structures wear gloves and masks.

* upon official declaration


3. Contactless Interactions

Digital Engagement:

  • Replace touch-based interactive elements with contactless alternatives, such as QR codes for accessing information on personal devices.

  • Encourage the use of mobile apps for audio guides or augmented reality features.

Cashless Transactions:

  • Use online booking systems and cashless payment methods for ticketing or donations.


4. Ventilation and Airflow

Open-Air Design:

  • Emphasize the open-air nature of the museum to reduce the risk of airborne transmission.

  • Avoid enclosed spaces or use them sparingly with strict capacity limits.

Enhanced Ventilation:

  • For semi-enclosed areas, use fans or ventilation systems (open air spaces) to ensure constant airflow.


5. Visitor Management

Pre-Registration:*

  • Require visitors to pre-register or book tickets online to avoid overcrowding and enable contact tracing.

One-Way Flow:

  •  Design pathways to allow one-way traffic to prevent cross-contact between visitors.

Contact Tracing:*

  • Collect visitor information (e.g., name, phone number) for potential contact tracing, in compliance with data privacy laws.

    * upon official declaration

     

6. Communication and Signage

Clear Instructions:

  • Post signage outlining health protocols (e.g., mask-wearing, social distancing, hand hygiene).

  • Provide multilingual instructions for diverse audiences.

Real-Time Updates:

  • Use social media or a dedicated website to share live updates on capacity and safety measures.

7. Adaptations to Exhibits

Interactive Elements:

  • Close or redesign exhibits requiring physical interaction to prevent contamination.

  • Offer virtual or augmented reality components accessible via personal devices.

Seating Areas:

  • Space out seating or provide individual chairs rather than benches.

  • Clean seating areas between use.

     

8. Staff and Volunteer Protocols

Health Monitoring:*

  • Conduct daily health checks (e.g., temperature screening) for staff and volunteers.

  • Develop a protocol for handling symptomatic individuals.

Training:*

  • Train staff on pandemic-specific safety measures, including crowd control and hygiene practices.

* upon official declaration 

 

9. Emergency Preparedness

Isolation Areas:*

Designate an area where symptomatic visitors or staff can wait until medical assistance is available.

Emergency Contacts:*

Maintain a list of local health authorities and emergency services for rapid response.

* upon official declaration 


10. Pandemic-Specific Accessibility

Virtual Access:

  • Offer a virtual tour for visitors who cannot attend in person due to health risks.

  • Provide digital resources, such as videos or 3D models of exhibits.

Priority Access:

  • Reserve specific times for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly or immune compromised

     

11. Compliance and Monitoring

Adhere to Local Regulations:

  • Follow federal and cantonal pandemic guidelines, including those specific to outdoor events.

  • Update protocols based on the latest health advisories.

Monitor and Adjust:

  • Continuously evaluate visitor behavior and adjust measures as needed to ensure compliance.

     

12. Communication with Authorities

Approval Process:

  • Obtain necessary permissions from local health and safety authorities.

  • Share a detailed pandemic-specific operational plan with regulators.

Regular Reporting:

  • Provide updates to authorities on visitor numbers, compliance, and any incidents related to health and safety.