Abstract:
The focus of urban planning is to place communities in healthy
built environments. Providing fresh water, air and sanitation were
early concerns however, less tangible but critical concerns are
arising with the recent experience of spread of deadly virus
diseases. Novel corona virus that hit the world in 2020 is a
millstone to almost all the countries keeping activities lockdown.
People were socially fragmented, lost access to earnings and basic
needs such as food. The growth rates of economies were stuck or
alarmingly decreased, followed by the sudden closure of the
constructions and productions. This concept paper focus on three
specific areas that identified as crucial during the spread of
COVID-19. Developing smart networks, analyzing the viability of
vertical living and re-building the construction sector were the key
areas discussed. The outcomes reveal collection of data at smallest
administrative units and combining with digital platforms will
facilitate building smart networks. Creating more space at ground
level in high rise buildings is a must to facilitate the circulation.
Good communications, supportive supply chains and the
application of force majeure concept are some to speedy recovery
in construction field. Policy makers are advised to re-visit the
strategies to ensure the uninterrupted networks and re-building the
economy.
