Variations : flexibility and adaptability in medium density housing

Abstract

RESEARCH QUESTIONS: 1. How might/can architects design houses that will respond to and change with individual needs?

2. In what way can housing at medium density beable to achieve flexibility and adaptability?

This research design project challenges the current way of designing medium density housing in Auckland. In particular, it focuses on the ability to change and adapt ones home to suit changing needs and wants. This has been achieved by using flexible and adaptable strategies designed to deal with uncertainties of the future.

As supported by research, it is apparent that the current method for designing houses at medium density lacks the ability to cater for a variety of different user groups and their ever changing needs. Housing needs to be able to grow and change with the user. Occupants will benefit from greater options and control over their homes and how they use the space within. The possibilities for flexible housing in Auckland’s urban context have been tested through the process of ‘research for design’ and ‘research by design’.

Such research has clearly illustrated that flexible and adaptable housing has the potential to increase user control and variety within medium density housing while also having the ability to adapt to unknown future needs. Site: Hobsonville Point