Post-Covid-19 Ventilation Strategies for Shopping Malls in Hot Humid Climate

Abstract

To date, many strategies have been executed to combat the COVID-19 disease, including the provision of good ventilation in buildings to reduce the spread of the virus. Open or semi-open space with good air exchange between indoor and outdoor provides better condition compared to enclosed space with mechanical ventilation. However, the design of public buildings, especially the shopping malls in hot and humid climate are mostly enclosed, with the high usage of air-conditioning systems. Due to the COVID-19 situation, it is found that the typical approach to shopping mall design needs to be revised and improved. Hence, this study is conducted with the intention to derive an initial idea regarding the new approach of a shopping mall that is able to be less dependent on the mechanical ventilation system. The method conducted for this preliminary study is a semi-structured interview with three respondents that possess experience of involving in shopping mall projects, namely the architect and mechanical engineer. The findings from the interview show that all respondents agreed that a new approach to ventilation systems should be implemented in shopping malls. They also emphasized that for shopping malls located in hot and humid climate, the usage of merely natural ventilation is impractical, especially in providing thermal comfort to the users. Hence, it is recommended to have hybrid ventilation, which combines mechanical and natural ventilation systems. This study is significant as it encourages other studies related to the new approach to shopping mall design, especially in the hot and humid climate.