Romanian Architecture and Urbanism in the Context of the Covid-19 Pandemic

The article aims to identify possible approaches for Romanian architecture and urbanism in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The initial historical method helps illustrating, in the case of lack of medical solutions, the perennial character of space-controlled measures against pandemics, such as isolation, quarantine and confinement, and of architecture and urbanism measures, such as air control and urban density.

Architecture and urbanism movements are then analyzed as reactions to health issues, starting from the hygiene movements that led to the Modernism and up to New Urbanism or Urban village.

The population density as an aggravating factor during pandemics is studied both from the historical point of view and according to the present scientific epidemiologic literature.

Romanian historical evolution is presented in the context of hygiene approaches. Nowadays the situation is considered alarming because of the lack of health approaches in architecture and urbanism.

The paper finally proposes a new endorsement of the architectural principles and of the Romanian under approval or future urban plans, based on health approaches. The article puts a special emphasis on limiting the built density, promoting green areas, promoting mixed use neighborhoods, downscaled stores and proximity shopping, bicycle and walkable cities.