APPRISING THE CHANGE IN OCCUPANTS’ AND DESIGNERS’ APPROACH APROPOS SPATIAL LAYOUTS POST-COVID-19

The purpose of the study provides thought to change in occupants' approach in reference to internal spatial layouts post-covid-19 and re-examines the factors that influenced the change in internal spaces of residences and offices. Five constructs are identified to prove the change in occupants' approach in reference to spatial layouts post-covid-19 in internal spaces. The Design methodology includes 400 participants of Chandigarh-Tricity responded to the questionnaire. The questionnaire was finalized after a pilot study and considered standard scale items referred from the literature review. A chi-square, one-ANOVA test research tool has been applied for the analysis of the proposed research model. The findings show that there is a need for transformation of the internal housing spaces required post-covid-19. Many of the indicators have shown significant changes in behaviour due to characteristics of the house, neighborhood amenities, income levels, occupation types and household size. The change in occupants' approach during the pandemic offers an opportunity for aspiring interior designers, practicing interior designers, and academicians to reconsider their approach towards the planning of internal spaces in housing. The research study has shown a strong change in (i) the occupant's approach in reference to spatial arrangements post-covid and (ii) the interior design approach post-covid and (iii) achieving much-required resilience through design from future Pandemics shocks. The change in occupant's and designer's approach during covid-19/post- covid-19 has offered to consider reimagining interior layouts, work-from-home spaces, flexible spaces, convertible furniture, in-house recreational spaces, work-out spaces, and spaces suitable for self-isolation for medical purposes.