Optimizing School Classroom Facades to Control Airborne Diseases Transmission through Human Centric-CFD Framework

The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the need for school designs that prioritize health, well-being, and sufficient natural ventilation rates, alongside engaging learning environments. In conventional double-loaded school layouts, only one classroom typically aligns with the optimal wind direction, achieving standard ACH rates. This study addresses research gaps by introducing two frameworks: the EDS for early design and the RO for retrofitting existing educational structures. The EDS framework optimizes the façade design variables for a hypothetical classroom to maximize the average air velocity (AAV), while the RO framework investigates façade design variables within a real case study to identify optimal configurations that meet the standard ACH. Key design parameters analyzed for the EDS include the Window-to-Wall Ratio (WWR), Opening-to-Wall Ratio (OWR), and Façade height (FH) correlated with AAV. The RO framework considered window/opening position, WWR, and OWR associated with achieving needed ACH and improving the learning environment. The EDS included a CFD-parametric optimization approach engaged with developed GHPython codes and linear regression analysis. CFD simulations for specific design scenarios were performed in the RO framework to assess ACH while improving the learning environment. The EDS framework analysis demonstrates that key design variables (OWR, WWR, and FH) explain 33.1% of the variance in AAV, with optimal configurations achieving an AAV of 0.65 m/s. Regression analysis highlights the substantial positive impact of OWR on AAV and underscores the negative influence of facade height, aiding in formulating design strategies that enhance indoor air quality in classrooms. The RO framework, applied to classrooms in Cairo, Egypt, demonstrates versatility in enhancing IAQ through optimal configurations of WWR and OWR. Simulations identified optimal opening ratios: 20% W/OWR in foundation-stage classrooms (ACH of 6.94) and 30% WWR with 10% OWR in primary-stage classrooms (ACH of 7.33). These configurations reduced infection risks below 1%, supporting findings from related studies on ventilation and infection risk, and affirming the RO framework's efficacy in designing healthier educational environments. The EDS and RO frameworks offer valuable tools for improving IAQ and learning conditions in classrooms; future studies may investigate frameworks across diverse settings and user feedback may be included to refine their real-world effectiveness.