How can land use become the first line of defense in the advent of a pandemic?
In an article, Diana Budd argues that the use of space is an integral factor in curbing diseases. “Space, as it relates to infectious disease epidemics, isn’t just about quarantine; it’s also a design problem. If you look around most neighborhoods today, you’ll see evidence of how humans have responded to infectious disease by redesigning our physical spaces.” It can be said that the importance of land use planning on health should not be overlooked.
Thus, last June 30, 2020, a webinar entitled “The Importance of Land Use in the Time of a Pandemic” was organized by CODE-NGO’s Advocacy Working Group on Asset Reform, with support from Forus.
The webinar underscored that one of the more effective solutions against Covid-19 is to go back to the physical aspect of distancing, quarantine, isolation, and its adaptation to our homes, cities, and neighborhoods.
Mr. Don Joseph Sebastian of Emerging Architects Studio explained how pandemics change cities and settlements. The spread of diseases changed how cities were designed. By the 20th century, designers and modernist architects viewed buildings as a type of medicine. For example, windows admit ultraviolet light, and bathrooms have the latest sanitary fixtures.
Sustainably designed environment is crucial in land use. Since 1994, various civil society organizations have been advocating and lobbying for the passage of the National Land use Act (NLUA). NLUA aims to advance the right of every Filipino for healthy ecology and improved quality of life via land use planning anchored in the principles of sustainable development and inclusive growth. Its passage can aid national and local government in identifying geo-hazard and disaster-prone areas and in planning for disasters. If passed, the NLUA can be one of the country’s first line of defense during a disaster, including COVID-19.
Watch the full webinar here: https://www.facebook.com/245551612137589/videos/2612175015704189