Clara Roth ’21, Architecture

Clara Roth ’21

Major

Architecture

Project Title

Manual of Physical Distancing: Space, Time and Cities in the Era of COVID-19

Presentation Link

View Clara's Presentation

Certificate(s): Urban Studies

My internship addressed the challenge of implementing physical distancing in urban settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. My research group used New York City as a case study for recalibrating the city to better negotiate the incompatibility between urban density and safeguarding public health in response to a communicable disease. Our goal was to propose new strategies for restructuring the city that will mitigate the spread of COVID-19 while maintaining the city’s diversity and vibrancy. My research focused on the transformation of streetscapes primarily occupied by cars into pedestrian spaces. I analyzed various street typologies and created a number of drawings proposing temporary and permanent transformations. Some of the programs I proposed included event spaces, marketplaces, restaurant streets, playgrounds and recreational zones. I gained familiarity with methods of urban planning and design and had the opportunity to combine my academic interests with an extremely current and important issue. Given my interest in sustainability, my favorite part of the internship was working toward a more ecologically viable city.