Investigating the Behavior of Green Covers and Stone Pavers in Historic Urban Spaces During Pandemics: Case Study Beit Al Qadi Square – Historic Cairo - Egypt

Respiratory pandemics are becoming global phenomena demanding post-pandemic re-adaptation practices. In this context, the study questioned if selecting green covers or stone pavers would participate in containing or propagating bioaerosols. The research explored the correlation between pavements and viral aerosols' mass concentration and deposition values. It focused on two design alternatives adopting grass and red stone examined in an open space prone to urban regeneration projects. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The former involved literature survey, field investigations and onsite measurements, besides a multi-scalar satellite image analysis. The latter digitally introduced a coronavirus pollutant in the open space, utilizing ENVI-met V5.0.3 software. The results were displayed in a flow chart, simulated graphs, paired comparisons, in addition to statistical analysis. The outcomes declared that grass had higher mass deposition and concentration values than red stone pavers. Accordingly, the study recommended taking design precautions while placing large green areas in public spaces and avoiding activities of direct contact with grass. The research provided novel insights concerning the impacts of paving materials in mitigating pandemic risks, responding to a resilient approach for disaster risk management