@_L1vY_ @FerdiMagellan
Yes, we really could set up better ventilation in public spaces. It CAN be done.
A while back I was researching early century architecture - turn of the century up to the first quarter of the 1900s. I was struck by how they went on and on about "good ventilation" and how much they prized "airy" buildings, and talked about how wonderful and sanitary "airy" buildings were. I didn't know why they went on and on about this, back then.
We now know why - and we can do it again.
My grandmother worked in a hospital in the late 20s and early 30s, and she talked this way also about ventilation and how the goal of buildings was to be "airy" and with a breeze. And good ventilation was always the central goal, in order to be healthy. I didn't realize the significance back then.
Again, we now know why.
Because that's the only preventative they had, and the only treatment, and the only way to prevent the spread of illnesses that they had.
@westernspinster @_L1vY_ @FerdiMagellan yes it was only with the advent of air conditioning that the prison like windowless architecture style began to appear… because windows cost more money. (Also now, windows have to be locked and covered to keep shooters from peeping in) The last classroom I had had exactly 3x5 window in it.
@johnettesnuggs slightly more nuance to your HVAC comment. Windows stopped opening when building codes started mandating energy efficiency. For example, in California [Title 24](https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/building-energy-efficiency-standards) makes it impossible to build commercial spaces with window that open. There is just no way to meet the efficiency requirements. It also makes it very difficult to up the air exchange rate without adding a significant amount of extra equipment.
@antares that may be true for CA, but I doubt Arkansas has any such energy efficiency codes even for schools. I’m pretty sure we just go with the cheapest design and builder here.