Designing Epidemic Resilient Cities Part 1 Dissertation 2023 Andrea Fernandes Heriot Watt University - Dubai Campus | UAE The world has already witnessed six rapidly spreading illnesses in the twenty-first century. However, the way the world responded to the COVID-19 epidemic demonstrated how unprepared we were despite the existence of several precedents. Through precedents we can understand the role architecture plays for the preparedness of cities for future crisis. With people spending more time indoors and new regulation causing shifts in routines, it is important to reevaluate how these changes will have long term effects and be a catalyst for change in the way we design.In this technological age, the awareness of disease prevention is rising. People and communities are speaking out for better preparation to counter cases like this. Nevertheless, ""Close scrutiny will show that most 'crisis situations' are opportunities to either advance or stay where you are."" - Maxwell Maltz.In this paper we study past epidemics around the world and how those led to a multitude of design strategies in architecture. The lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic within the city of Dubai will be studies to understand the factors affecting the possibility of designing a more resilient future. This paper hopes to outline a framework that future architects can strive towards when planning to design cities that are more resilient and prepared for the unexpected. Tutor(s) Harpreet Seth