COVID-19 pandemic: the safeness of public spaces and the urban furniture

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic marked a moment of significant change in 2020, with the growing spread of the virus and rising mortality rates, which has caused the emerging need for social distancing in urban public spaces. The objective of this research is to analyze the relationship between the 11th Sustainable Development Goal of the 2030 Agenda and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in light of the examination of old and new issues about urban public space and its elements, such as furniture urban. Through a literature review, news selection in the media, and systematic observation of experiences in spaces, the condition of a significant portion of the population living in inadequate housing conditions has changed its relationship with public spaces was verified. It is concluded that some actions towards the adaptation of public spaces for the safe use of the population during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the demarcation of isolated areas, creation of sanitation furniture, and expansion of opening hours, redirected the debate on building safe and sustainable cities and communities. In this way, a scenario of a chain effect was presented, compromising other objectives of the 2030 Agenda, such as health and well-being and the reduction of inequalities.