As we continue to respond to the Covid 19 pandemic, focus has turned to how poor building design can contribute to the spread of airborne diseases. Older buildings are sometimes portrayed as unhealthy and subject to being damp and uncomfortable. But historic buildings, particularly those from the late 19th century, were often far more pragmatic at creating integrated approaches to combatting infection than modern ones.

In this CPD, Dr Richard Hobday will discuss what historic buildings can teach us about managing airborne infections through a mix of passive ventilation, material characteristics, and quality of internal space. He will also look at how retaining these characteristics is key when refurbishing historic buildings, and demonstrate how past approaches to combatting infection in buildings remain relevant for creating healthy internal environments.

Dr Richard Hobday practices inter-disciplinary research which brings together engineering, building design, architectural and medical history, urban planning, and public health. He received his PhD in engineering from Cranfield University where he designed and assessed solar energy technologies. He has since been involved in a wide range of projects concerning sustainability and health in the built environment. He is the author of two books and numerous technical reports. He has also written and co-authored academic papers on infection control in buildings, hospital design, school design and public health. He is a member of the Daylight Academy, Switzerland.