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Article

The impact of epidemics and pandemics on architectural and urban transformations of cities

Ihor Gnes Lubov Soloviy Vasyl Matsola
Abstract

The aim of study was to identify and systematise architectural and urban transformations of cities, urban engineering infrastructure and the residential environment that occurred in response to epidemics and pandemics. The research methodology was based on an interdisciplinary approach that combined historical-retrospective, comparative, and spatial-analytical methods with the use of contemporary urban and epidemiological studies. The study showed that from the earliest water supply and sewage systems in the cities of the Ancient East and Antiquity to the comprehensive sanitary reforms of the 19th century and modernist ideas of the “healthy city”, architectural and planning solutions have been consistently used as a tool to counter the spread of infectious diseases. The article provided a historical and analytical overview of the transformations of urban space under the influence of epidemics, as well as focusing on the modern stage associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. It showed that the modern stage had been characterised by a shift in focus from basic sanitary and engineering solutions to the morphological parameters of the living environment, in particular the density and number of storeys of buildings, the configuration of common spaces and the effectiveness of natural ventilation. Particular attention was paid to the analysis of the spatial parameters of residential buildings that indirectly influenced epidemiological risks, in particular the number of storeys and density of buildings. Based on modern interdisciplinary empirical studies, statistically confirmed correlations between increased density, number of storeys of housing and more intensive spread of infection were analysed. The role of aerosol transmission routes through common engineering systems of multi-storey buildings was emphasised. Design-relevant conclusions were summarised regarding acceptable levels of space utilisation intensity, as well as the role of open and semi-open spaces in reducing the risk of infection transmission and psychological stress during prolonged quarantine. Emphasis was also placed on the importance of effective natural and mechanical ventilation, the organisation of air exchange in common areas (stairwells, corridors, lift halls) and the prevention of stagnant air zones. The practical significance of the work lies in the formation of architectural and urban planning recommendations aimed at increasing the pandemic resilience of the living environment, in the range of “district – multi-apartment residential building”

Keywords

viral infection transmission; residential environment; engineering infrastructure; building height; pandemic resilience; health architecture

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Received 29.05.2025, Revised 30.10.2025, Accepted 29.12.2025

Retrieved from Vol. 11, No. 4, 2025

Suggested citation

Gnes, I., Soloviy, L., & Matsola, V. (2025). The impact of epidemics and pandemics on architectural and urban transformations of cities. Architectural Studies, 11(4), 91-100. https://doi.org/ 10.56318/as/4.2025.91

https://doi.org/ 10.56318/as/4.2025.91

Pages 91-100

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ISSN 2411-801X e-ISSN 2786-7374  UDC 71;72
DOI: 10.56318/as