Architecture firm collaborates with Coimbatore government to promote social distancing
Drawing credits: A+R Architects, Coimbatore
Photography credits: Coimbatore City Corporation
A+R Architects, Coimbatore, has developed a program to promote social distancing with the Local Minister of Coimbatore, Mr. S.P. Velumani; Commission Sravan Kumar; and Collector Rajamani. Ar. Chenthur Raaghav Naagrendran, Co-founder, A+R Architects, says that the project comprised a reshifting and rebuilding of a congested marketplace.
With the help of the Coimbatore City Corporation, public spaces such as open playgrounds have been chosen to relocate the markets. Ten-feet gaps have been introduced between shops and barricaded pathways to maintain social distancing. The Corporation has also identified unused parking yards in a bus terminal to operate. Vendors can engage through a virtual walkthrough, sell their wares in tents and on tables, and maintain a 1.5 distance as recommended by the World Health Organisation.
Further discussions remain on construction of isolation kiosks, distribution of PPE kits and temporary platforms. Attempts have been made to use existing structures such as railway stations and marketplaces so that migrant workers can use them as well.
