History and common sense tells us that if we spend 90 percent of our time indoors then buildings have a role in spreading disease. Since the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is transmitted through airborne respiratory droplets, we must look at making the necessary changes to reduce exposures.

As part of HMC’s ongoing research effort to better understand the longterm effects of COVID-19 and develop solutions for a safe return to PreK-12 schools, we consulted with clients from various school districts and county offices of education, conducted surveys with parents, and did a deep dive literature review on building design and infectious disease transmission/prevention.

HMC is committed to sharing our findings with the industry in a series of white papers that focus on five main areas of Technology, Adaptability and Flexibility, Regulatory/Budgetary/Institutional Impacts, Space Needs/Reduction and Restructuring, and Impact to Wellness/Mental Health. In this paper, we discuss the challenges and opportunities for rethinking PreK-12 classroom air quality.