COVID-19 Pandemic and Disaster Resilience: Planning Perspective

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.