How can you design a space to promote better ventilation and reduce infection?

1 Assess your ventilation needs

Before you start designing your space, you need to assess your ventilation needs based on the type and size of the space, the number and activity of the occupants, the sources and levels of contaminants, and the climate and weather conditions. You can use tools such as the Ventilation Rate Procedure (VRP) or the Indoor Air Quality Procedure (IAQP) to calculate the minimum ventilation rates required to maintain acceptable indoor air quality. You can also consult the standards and guidelines from organizations such as ASHRAE, CDC, and WHO for specific recommendations for different types of spaces and scenarios.

2 Choose your ventilation system

Once you have determined your ventilation needs, you need to choose a ventilation system that can meet them. There are two main types of ventilation systems: natural and mechanical. Natural ventilation relies on the natural forces of wind and temperature to create air movement through openings such as windows, doors, and vents. Mechanical ventilation uses fans, ducts, filters, and other devices to supply and exhaust air. You can also use a combination of both systems to achieve optimal results. Some factors to consider when choosing your ventilation system are the cost, efficiency, maintenance, noise, and compatibility with your space and existing systems.

3 Optimize your ventilation design

Once you have selected your ventilation system, you need to optimize your ventilation design to ensure it provides fresh and clean air throughout your space. This is done by strategically positioning air supply and exhaust outlets to avoid short-circuiting, stagnation, or recirculation of air. Additionally, high-efficiency filters, UV lamps, or other devices should be used to remove or inactivate contaminants from the air. Natural ventilation features such as operable windows, skylights, or louvers can be incorporated to enhance air flow and quality as well as provide daylight and views. Control your ventilation system with sensors, timers, or controllers to adjust the air flow and quality according to occupancy, activity, and environmental conditions. Lastly, monitor your ventilation system regularly to check its performance and identify any issues or problems.