Pandemic migration
Pandemics such as COVID-19 can be more contagious in large cities for several reasons. As well as socioeconomic factors associated with quality of life, basic proximity factors can play a role in the spread of transmissible illnesses.
In urban settings, networks of buildings, crowded pavements and public transportation create conditions in which people often move in closer proximity to each other. During the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, many people were encouraged to work from home. The temporary shift to technology-based remote working opened up the possibility of a portion of the workforce permanently relocating away from urban settings.
This form of pandemic migration is being explored as a beneficial approach to dealing with the spread of highly-infectious illnesses.
The results of an October 2020 study conducted by Massimiliano Zanin and David Papo indicate that pandemic migration away from cities to less densely populated areas may help to reduce the spread of illnesses like COVID-19. In the study, Zanin and Papo simulated a forced migration that moved healthy people out of dense cities at the onset of a pandemic. The results showed that while movement from big cities to small towns might be slightly less safe for the people in small towns, overall, for a global pandemic situation, this reduction in the density of highly populated areas is better for the majority of people.
FInd out more at: https://aip.scitation.org/doi/10.1063/5.0028091
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Adapting your technology to the new working normal.
- Beyond the pandemic.
- Coronavirus and the construction industry.
- Defining the office.
- Hub and spoke model.
- Post pandemic places report.
- PwC CEO Panel survey.
- Wood and healthy office spaces.
[edit] External resources
- Massimiliano Zanin and David Papo, Travel restrictions during pandemics: A useful strategy?
Featured articles and news
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings for people to come home to... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”