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Various sustainable aspects emerged during COVID-19 pandemic concern to urban and building designers in India.

Humans are witnessing a unique situation that has brought all movements, industries and institutions to a grinding halt triggered by the pandemic, at global level. Every nation has implemented unique measures and received responses depending on the type and severity of the lock down, both ecologically and demographically. India too, with her unique set of climatic characteristics, population density, demographic behavior, infrastructure resources and climatic challenges, has faced certain challenges and still figuring its way out in the most feasible manner. Fast growing Delhi NCR region was already struggling with various environmental challenges like traffic congestion, noise and air pollution leading to poor visibility, deteriorated air quality and heat island. Based on a research article by S.Mahato, the pollutant like PM10 and PM2.5 were reduced to half, greenhouse gases like NO2 and CO declined considerably; and industry and transportation location’s air quality improved by 60%. Snow covered Himalayan range was seen first time from distant locations as far as 400km away in states of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Improved weather encouraged people to open windows for fresh air reducing use of air-conditioning in the month of April and May as compared to previous years.

The significant improvement in the environment during the pandemic encourages designer’s attention to improvise building designs and urban planning based on behavioral changes leading to paradigm shift in Indian cities.

The newly embraced culture of “work from home” has diverted attention of users, architects and interior designers to the importance of study area as working area. These residential work stations not only demanded segregated comfortable space conducive for longer working hours but also require strategically located work desk that faces the designer wall for video calls and meetings during lock down. The workstations require accommodation of all necessary services, including gadgets and equipment connecting the cyber world and make work easier. Natural daylight without glare along with fresh air circulation increases productivity as well as reduce electricity consumption. Limited to residential utilities increased importance of finer details like indoor plantation, kitchen garden, exercising spaces and recreational corners in daily life.

Implementation of proper hygiene in building design and services during the pandemic is another crucial aspect. Regular sanitization and personal prevention from touching alien surfaces became part of our behavior change. This too demands attention for future incorporation by design fraternity. Antimicrobial surfaces will gain attention in future design discourses. Use of copper, brass and bronze for touch related design in handles, knobs and push plates is likely to be explored and maybe produced and applied to masses. Integration of sensors, eye trackers, etc. is also a solution to avoid touch related issues. This does not only make surfaces bacteria free but also reduces deterioration thus helps in saving huge operation and maintenance costs during a building’ life cycle.

Integration of AI is future of build environment. Futuristic designs not only make it possible for us to access our biomedical conditions remotely, they also change the indoor environment efficiently. The AI integrated building will communicate with the user and will provide assistance to medical help and other related services. Science and technology has emerged out as primary tool for evaluation, resistance and functioning during COVID-19 pandemic. It is time for planners and designers to reflect into the importance of technology that can be integrated in build environment that can bring the paradigm shift towards sustainability.