# COVID Planning Urban planning initiatives accelerate or change course in light of COVID-19. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published May 25, 2020 | Category: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/modern-art-and-design-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/covid-planning ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.8/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the COVID Planning trend? **COVID Planning:** With COVID-19 likely to be a global concern for the foreseeable future, and stricter physical distancing restrictions lifting around the world as governments try to get their economies back on track, new urban planning initiatives are emerging in order to better accommodate a world where physical distancing will still be required to some extent as people go about their daily lives. ## The consumer insight behind the COVID Planning trend The majority of consumers understand that even once life closely resembles a pre-COVID world, there are some habits and aspects of daily life that will look different once restrictions have loosened. Consumers will still be concerned for their safety and the safety of their loved ones, and they expect that governments will accommodate health and safety initiatives in the process of reopening economies. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 24 to May 20, 2020 - Published: May 25, 2020 - Patterns: [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the COVID Planning trend ### Social Distancing Designs Developing creative solutions like physical distancing designs or layouts for indoor and outdoor spaces to ensure safety for individuals amid the COVID-19 pandemic pose an opportunity for architects and designers. ### Smart Urban Planning Initiatives With the COVID-19 outbreak likely to be a global concern for the foreseeable future, there is an opportunity for businesses for sustainable and smart urban planning initiatives that accommodate health and safety initiatives. ### Increasing Adoption of Digital Maps There is an opportunity for businesses to help vulnerable neighborhoods during the COVID-19 pandemic and better understand the impact of the virus by analyzing and mapping data. ## What the COVID Planning trend means for industry ### For Architecture There is an opportunity for architects to develop social distancing designs for indoors and outdoors spaces. ### For Urban Planning There is an opportunity for businesses to invest in smart and sustainable urban planning initiatives amid the COVID-19 pandemic. ### For Data Analytics There is an opportunity for data analytical businesses to help vulnerable neighborhoods during the COVID-19 pandemic and better understand the impact of the virus by analyzing and mapping data. ## Workshop question How is your brand planning for the new normal after COVID-19-related restrictions are lifted? ## Trend signals for COVID Planning Trend score 3.8 out of 10, from popularity 51%, activity 53%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 51% - Activity: 53% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the COVID Planning trend 5 featured examples from Mar 24 to May 20, 2020. - [Physical Distancing Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/physical-distancing-design): The Commune di Milano is Calling for Help from Architects & Designers (Category: World) Implication: Architects have the opportunity to contribute innovative physical distancing designs and infrastructure that can be implemented in commercial and public spaces. - [Safe Distance Park Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/domino-park): NYC's Domino Park Paints Large Circles to Encourage Social Distancing (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Incorporating social distancing guidelines into park and public space designs is a new opportunity for urban planners to innovate in the post-COVID-19 world. - [Pandemic-Fighting Digital Maps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/urban-footprint): Urban Footprint Identifies Neighborhoods Vulnerable to COVID-19 (Category: Social Good) Implication: Urban Footprint highlights the potential for urban planning tools to leverage data and provide valuable insights for disaster relief efforts. - [Safety-Focused Street Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/street-expansion): Toronto to Provide Residents with More Room on the Sidewalks (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunities for urban planners to redesign streets and create safe and accessible spaces for pedestrians and cyclists. - [City-Responsive Recovery Sites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recovery-site): Toronto Prepares to Open up A Second Site to Help Those in Need (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunities for innovation include development of more specialized recovery centers, use of technology in monitoring COVID-19 patients, and incorporating telehealth in homeless… ## Recent trend clusters - [Oven Aesthetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/decorative-casserole-dishes) (Art & Design) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Art & Design - [Park-Model Tiny Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/park-model-tiny-homes) - [Handmade Craft Tradeshow Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ny-now-handmade-division) - [Recycled Neon Light Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/encore-encore) - [Electrically Powered Airline Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-economy-seat) All articles: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign)