The home office has sprung up in all sorts of spaces in properties across the country given no one but essential workers is allowed to work outside the home.
Social isolation may be a godsend for introverts and hell for extroverts, but there are six things that can be done to make your experience better – and improve life post coronavirus.
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Almost all Australians have experienced social shutdown for the first time in their lives, but little thought was given to liveability and quality of life, according to Mike Day, co-founder of award-winning urban planning firm RobertsDay.
Of particular concern was the vast numbers of residents in low density, single-use suburban housing developments, where many were compelled to use a car to access essential services and products and exercise,” he said.
Especially if “Australia’s existing ‘shutdown’ could turn into a ‘lockdown’ in localities where a spike in the growth of COVID-19 infections occurs”, he said.
“If they haven’t already, Governments should be assessing ways they can improve the liveability of all Australians in such a scenario, without risking their exposure to COVID-19.”
It was the perfect opportunity to put in place liveability measures that experts had been pushing for over the years, including putting people before vehicles, ensuring easy access to products and services close to home and letting property owners created detached workplaces at home.
E-bikes and closing off streets for exercise in areas without proper parks were among suggestions for a better lifestyle during shutdowns.
There were six things residents should push for from their elected members, he said.
1. Close some streets temporarily to vehicles
“With gyms, sporting centres, playgrounds, beaches, and even some coastal walks closed, councils could consider designating signature streets for access other than by car to enable residents to run or walk daily along generous pathways.”
Mr Day said in March New York’s Mayor Bill de Blasio opened up thoroughfares for walking and cycling in each of the five boroughs to cut down on large gatherings in local parks.
“Australian councils could nominate signature streets with substantial tree canopies, lighting, and continuous, uninterrupted routes to promote safe and accessible exercise areas. This action would also reduce recent heavy cycling and pedestrian movement on existing popular walkways, such as coastal esplanades, which are often only 1.5m to 2m wide – inadequate for prams, pedestrians, and bikes to all be accommodated on the one pathway.”
Allowing garages to be turned into permanent workspaces or letting owners build small offices in the backyard will help both current and future liveability.
2. Let people build affordable detached workspaces at home
“Employees might be forced to work from home until at least October. As many parents are not in a position to work productively around kids, in shared houses or small apartments, councils could temporarily relax legislation to allow property owners to build affordable granny flats, demountable units or studios above garages, or convert their garages into offices.”
Mr Day said the separate micro workspaces would also help young entrepreneurs start up businesses.
3. Let people sublease rooms with external access tax-free
“For property owners who already have rooms on their properties with separate external access – such as studios atop garages or backyard granny flats – the government could also temporarily relax legislation to allow existing owner-occupiers, and even tenants, to sublease those rooms.”
Allowing pop-up shops in the suburbs could help support small businesses in the area.
4. Allow for pop-up shops and services in suburbs
“Residents of a neighbourhood having to visit a single remote major supermarket or shopping area, to purchase essentials, makes social distancing a challenge, and often necessitates driving.”
Mr Day said governments could relax planning provisions to allow for ‘pop-up’ retail shops – including market stalls and food trucks – in any neighbourhood.
“This would provide for localised food purchases, alleviating the need to drive to major retailers, boost more small business trading, and ensure that residents do not travel far from home. It will also enable local businesses to have a greater chance of survival in this financially challenging climate.”
E-bikes could be introduced into low-density suburbs to help families save money.
5. Ramp up eBike access
Mr Day recommends that eBikes be introduced to low-density suburban growth areas during lockdowns as a low-cost alternative to cars and to guarantee social distancing.
“E-bikes also cover much longer distances than conventional bikes. On an e-bike, a rider can attain an average speed of 22 km/hr, compared with the average 15km/hr on a standard bike.”
6. Let people out more than once a day to exercise
“Children, pets, and those who live in small, balcony-free apartments or share houses need to head outdoors more often. Minimal time spent outside the confines of the home could also lead to an increase in social issues, such as domestic violence and an adverse impact on health and wellness.”
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