To achieve adaptability with simplicity of design: a practical experience of adaptable housing in Switzerland
Authors
Citation
Hong Kong Papers in Design and Development, v.1, 1998, pp. 2-7
Abstract
Adaptable housing is a design concept for creating buildings that can fulfill a large range of living requirements and accommodate change. The experimental approach to building during 1960s and 1970s in Europe was characterized by flexible floor plans which had many problems, such as high costs, management difficulties, and certain design elements which affected the quality of life in other areas. These problems remain unresolved. Having made a sustained effort in adaptability design for a long time, some Swiss architects have successfully generated new interpretations in recent years by emphasizing functional adaptability. Multiple usability of space is achieved through the correct use of dimensions and proportions, rational plan arrangements, elegant space details, neutral texture and materials, as well as simple technical applications. Adaptability can be achieved without much building flexibility. By describing the Swiss experience from a historic view and especially the new approaches to adaptable housing, this paper argues that adaptability is a concept which needs precise design and simple technology.
(1) The beginning of adaptability
(2) Housing adaptability for technology
(3) Problems of flexibility
(4) Alternative approaches to housing adaptability
(a) Changeable unit size
(b) Functional mixture
(c) Neutral space
(d) Multiple choices
(e) Limited and effective flexibility and participation
(f) Simple technology
(5) Conclusion
Description
Building Type(s): Flats (apartments)
Subject
Type
Article
Format
Date
1998
Language
en