I always want to share exciting and positive news on this page. However, it seems inevitable to keep a record of this global pandemic – COVID-19, or coronavirus. Not only it is a historical threatening event that everyone in the world is impacted, but also it has made me rethink about material selections and space designing to achieve improved hygienic living arrangements. These thoughts may become handy when considering a renovation for your dwelling in the future.
Given I was based in China in my earlier career, and was born and raised in Japan, I’ve paid attention to the virus and believed it was only a matter of time to have it spread into the United States. Despite its massive population, the Chinese government has power to stifle the virus panic. In Japan, people have exceptional tolerance through their experiences with multiple natural disasters. In the U.S. though, it is hard to expect the same level of effectiveness given the political influences as well as racial, ethnic, religious and cultural diversity. Such circumstance makes us think, “we need to protect ourselves”. There is no doubt that social distancing is important to prevent further spread of the virus (see diagram). However, how can we ensure our dwelling to be a “safe” place?
Many scientists around the globe are sharing facts and findings of the virus. Unfortunately, a vaccine is not yet available, but we now know more about it. There remains more questions than answers or solutions. In general, it is believed the virus predominantly spreads through personal exposure within six feet of an infected individual. A group of scientists posted a paper this month that the virus survives up to three hours in the air. You can also be infected by touching it on surfaces, and through inadvertent mouth or eye contact with your hand. Günter Kampf et al. from Greifswald Medical School shared that it persists on artificial surface such as metal for up to nine days, though it can be inactivated by disinfectant, especially alcohol in one minute. Although the virus is known to survive longer on non-porous surface than porous surface such as clothing according to Sarah Fortune from Harvard, it is notable to understand an average rug is considered 4,000 times dirtier with germs. So, how do they play in interior design?
Material Selections
Intelligence accumulated in the healthcare field is very helpful as they have long desired designs that are easy to clean, and difficult for dirt and germs to hide. Non-porous, seamless and disinfectability are the key characteristics. (This column may be updated in the future as I come across new products.)
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FLOOR: wood with sealed coating such as gel stain may be one option, but there are various materials available today which offer appealing designs and great durability. PVC is an example known as vinyl, offers an unlimited number of looks with outstanding performance. High-heat and high-pressure rubber is another option, though it is not as popular in residential scenes. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are certainly great options primarily for wet areas, though the grout in between tiles tend to catch bacteria and mold. For those who prefer fabric finish, a washable rug is another option. There is no better substitute for careful washing when it comes to infection control, and thus being able to use your washing machine is a huge plus.
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WALL/CEILING: paint is still a dominant option today. Unlike the past, you do not need to increase a sheen level in order to have a washable option. There are some paint products with matte finish yet are washable as well. Many PVC makers offer materials for wall and ceiling applications too – same for tiles.
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COUNTERTOP: despite the long-lasting trend of using natural stone, stainless steel, engineered stones such as quarts, porcelain and PVC are good options (materials are listed in the order of pricing (high to low), though they can vary due to brand, manufacture location, etc.). If you prefer natural materials such as marble and granite, sealing them is an option, yet they need to be sealed every half year to cover the porous surface.
Space Designing
This often requires adjustments of your living style or a remodel. However, it also remarkably improves hygienic conditions of your home. First, a process should be designed to stop germs and viruses from invading your house. 75% of people do not remove shoes at home, but you may want to change your habit as shoe bottoms carry many bacteria. You can also design a shoe closet/room, coat cabinet and a sink to wash your hands close to the door. We also know that a floor has more bacterial genomes than in the air. Keeping as much open floor surface to be available for cleaning is another effective approach. Chairs with high mobility and a couch with legs which provides enough space for sweeping or a Roomba are preferable and of course, regular cleaning is a must to maintain hygiene and sanitation.
On March 26, 2020, the number of COVID-19 cases exceeded 85,000 in the U.S. with associated deaths over 1,300. The U.S. now has more confirmed cases of COVID-19 than any other country in the world. I sincerely hope we will be able to flatten the pandemic curve very soon, and that we will adjust our life style accordingly to mitigate future disasters and human suffering.