'Nee4,
Pas,Raan
aaa
Exawyp/<
VJegjt
by
Carol Jean Boemer
B.S.A.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
1978
Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the requirements for the
Degree of
Master of Architecture
at the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
February 1982
Carol Jean Boemer 1982
The Author hereby grants M.I.T. permission to reproduce and to distribute
publicly copies of this thesis document in whole or in part.
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Signature of Author
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Department of Architecture
January 14, 1982
Certified by
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accepted by .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
N. John Habraken
Professor of Architecture
.-Tjesis Supervis-or
. . .
Edward Robbins, Chairman
Departmental Committee on
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Shared Living Environments:
Needs, Patterns, and a Design Example
by
Carol Jean Boemer
Submitted to the Department of Architecture on January 14, 1982, in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the degree of Masrer of Architecture.
Shared living is becoming a viable alternative lifestyle yet many residential buildings
cannot be easily adapted to support this communal way of life.
Aspects of communal living are investigated for the purpose of determining the benefits
and conflicts inherent in shared living situations. An investigation is also made of the intensified needs of such groups for control over their built environments.
Means for encouraging this control include allowing multiple interpretations of spaces by
providing a choice of activity settings and "designing in" flexibility that would allow groups
of users to change their environments according to perceptions of appropriate degrees of both
privacy and sharing.
Guidelines and design standards outlining spatial relationships, circulation possibilities,
utility locations, etc., are suggested as an aid to designers making buildings which can anticipate change. Some devices such as moveable partitions, "pull-down" stairs, rearrangeable storage
units, etc., are also described as aids to inhabitants when taking part in the continually
changing process which is dwelling.
Three case studies of actual congregate living groups are presented and used as prototypes
for a design study. The design attempts to illustrate the adaptation and interpretation possibilities afforded when the aforementioned guidelines, patterns, and devices are implemented.
Three inhabitations, each based on one of the case studies, are presented as a test of the
adaptability of the design. A "footprint" for individual private territory design is also
developed.
Thesis Supervisor:
Title:
N. John Habraken
Professor of Architecture
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Acknwu
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I wish to acknowledge the following people
for their
valuable contributions to this work:
John Habraken, my advisor, whose patient guidance, insights, and clear communication of organizational principles
helped me find my way through the project;
Rosemary Grimshaw, whose enthusiasm for the ideas behind
the thesis and knowledge of the value of periodic relaxation
kept my morale high;
Chester Sprague, whose careful systematic investigations
inspired this work;
Sandra Howell, whose understanding and experience with
groups of users fostered the development of the chapter containing the interviews;
Bob Slattery, whose design input and common sense advice
was of great help;
Jim, Victor, and Pam, whose help with the inhabitations
kept my thinking objective;
the three groups I had the pleasure to interview and investigate;
and Marti, whose assistance in typing and finalizing
details made the work into a tangible product.
I would also like to thank Allan Blumenthal, Paul
Mulloney, Carlton and Lillian Hulteen, my grandparents and my
parents and sisters for their support and love, which has kept
me going for much longer than the duration of this project.
Finally, I wish to dedicate this work to Eric Hulteen,
for without his unwavering support, encouragement, and
insistence that I do this myself (regardless of how I "feel"
about things), this thesis would never have been realized.
TaU j
Coten4t,
itrduct*rm........
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8
Prvbket
Control of Environment . . . . . . . .
Participation . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reasons for Change . . . . . . . . . .
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Summary of Problems Discovered
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Economics and Regulation .
Types of Groups . . . . .
Group Living in the Future
Space and Privacy . . . .
Styles of Congregate
A Farmhouse . . . .
A Boardinghouse . .
A Village . . . . .
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Living
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.14w
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*Z16
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.40
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*50
Fexibify, AdytAifig, T~nc t~zAi$y
Past Attempts . . . . . . . . . . . .
Definition of Terms . . . . . . . . .
Investments . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . 68
. . . . . . . . . . . . 74
..
. . . - - -85
. . . . . . . . - - - - - + - - - - - - . . . . . . . - - - -
Guidelines
Standards
.
Devices
The Desg
The Design Process
.
Formulation
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' -.
- - ' -* ' -1-6
...
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...
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1if1(
110
Consolidation
..............
150
. . . - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ' - . - - . - - - - - - - - 150
. . . . . - - . - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - * ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' 192,
. . - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ' - * * * - - * * * * * ' ' 198
Inhabitations
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Z 10
Need
Context .
Form
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Alternatives
Evaluation .
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-
Tiv.jecI6(.:;OVkj ................
45 f4zr
Y j
. . . .. .. . . . . . . . ..
..............
. 2,Y
Humans cannot attain
reduce the amount
that issues inspiring concern
fulfillment in life
and subsequent study also evoke
in isolation.
of lifestyle adaptation required by
images, causes, and solutions
eration with others
which are sometimes subject-
is a beneficial con-
tive in nature, this work re-
dition, both social-
lies heavily upon the exper-
ly and economically.
With the realization
iences and personal philosophy
2.
3.
Coop-
People are always
of the author throughout the
seeking to determine
process and in the product.
their own place in
Some of the personal convic-
the world.
tions which have inspired
the act of "dwelling"
this study are enumerated
or inhabitation that
below.
gives buildings
It is
"character".
1.
Designers of housing
directly effect the
quality of people's
lives.
They should,
therefore, use this
opportunity to make
more "humane"
ronments.
S'.
envi-
4.
Current building
technology affords
the opportunity for
people to modify and
adapt their built environments.
If prop-
erly implemented,
this technology can
buildings.
methods for increasing adap-
It is also the author's
convictions that have influ-
tive possibilities.
enced the inclusive nature of
the approach to this work.
It
is assumed that there should
be no distinction between
general standards of good design and the standards required by shared living situations.
While discussion of
the specific requirements of
shared living is the goal of
this work, many of the ideas
presented apply to all residential environments, regardless of social structuring
of the members of the inhabiting household.
The designer
of a single-family residence
then could also benefit from
the abstractions herein
presented which deal with the
public/private issues and the
10
r
vb 1 c
Cogi
Of
When we realize how much
of our lives is spent inside
residences.
Of course, some people
buildings and how much in-
will accomodate themselves to
fluence the built environ-
any environment no matter how
AImerPants hawve become a
"ndxe peofpe A (ave
portion of our fives -
ment has on our lives, we can
uncomfortable, either because
see why a sense of control
they do not have the knowledge
over buildings, especially
or resources to improve the
Workn,
one's own dwelling, is essen-
situation or because they be-
tial to general health and
lieve that rules forbid them
To a
gqreater extent
perhap
'Any
atu-,
seey'
th
ive
,yhay
wgs : k1itdoggs, oer w)
des'nx ad
cngruti
happiness.
Occupants con-
to alter the arrangement.
fronted with living environ-
Some institutional and finan-
ments that are so totally
cial structures require the
designed as to inhibit even
limitation of individual con-
reasonable modification to
trol but more often than not
individual users' lifestyles
the cause of user frustration
are soon outmoded and aban-
can be traced to ignorance of
whoe effect uyon our
doned (if at all possible)
the opportunities for inter-
'O ,
Aa&A and h
on~y ohware 2 'uder-
in favor of more tolerant
vention and to architectural
we have Catte or- wr
contrvt; buidingy whm
sical and ecwmic
di tributi n, arm
remtz( cLndi '
ha
our -need
JMood.s
g, h
designs.
Control over one's
environment is an important
over-definition.
People who do
attempt
ingredient of user satisfac-
to change their dwellings are
tion and should be an impor-
often willing to live with
tant factor in design of
mistakes they make in manipu-
lating their own housing be-,
cause it is a means of learn-
a home.
ing about the opportunities
is what must be developed if
of that housing.
architecture is to promote
In exer-
fae- -Oe e~pe
-t 4e oc 4$f'sNet
what makes a house seem like
$ e0
A sense of control
cising some control, they
a more humane,
learn that mistakes can always
society.
harmonious
a
be modified at a future date.
0g
j
E
over, c wt
1V)eZteU/1V
ch4Vcita' n a4id
a id r
t a/c Sen
t
This knowledge alone is important for establishing a
CnAedu-
it ,
zr,
ie
sense of "ownership" and a
a
othe.
sense of "caring" for one's
-thg
environment..
daoerie the -ahre>
A group of M.I.T. students and research faculty
discussed "control" and its
relationship to "caring" in
uA
h- '-e pe
e t/etre
j itL Au Ao/u 66 n-,e
a paper entitled "Powers of
Inhabitation."
One of the
"powers" that they observed
is for people to be able to
"invest care" and to be able
to express their presence in
a place and to modify it to
suit their needs and desires.*
This type of caring is .
*Donlyn Lyndon and others,
"Powers of Inhabitation: Observations in the Via Monserrato", 1977 Grunsfeld Rome
Report, M.I.T. Dept. of Architecture, 7.
The ability for partici-
even floated houses
pation in and interaction
rivers
with one's environment is
out to sea on barges.*
primary to a sense of control
sense of ownership and asso-
The
over one's surroundings.
-
Their
dential environment deemed
dardization of building mat-
houses to be an important re-
erials and house construction
source.
Today, however, very
that their participation in
few people really step back
the built environment is not
from where they work or where
encouraged and almost preven-
they live and say, "Is this
ted.
Change is really inhi-
functioning the best that it
or
bited due to the trade-off
possibly can for me?"
of lower costs brought about
"How can I make this place
through durable mass-produced
better without making drastic
building materials.
changes?".
People a hundred years
ago, on the other hand, were
much given to change.
They
Even the ability
to question and fantasize
about change is inhibited.
Most people seen to give the
cut houses in half, put houses
prerogative for shaping the
together, and moved houses
built environment to profes-
and barns across town.
They
*Charles Wing, From the Walls
In, 61.
ciated control over the resi-
industrialization and stan-
has led many people to believe
1+
skidded houses down frozen
sionals (i.e. architects, en-
AM peopke
are biders,
of the envinAa
ment-7; we are the ex -
Rogbert 5ommer
gineers, and builders).
But design, in the sense
of creating images through
manipulation of space, materials, and objects,
is not
the sole prerogative of experts such as architects.
I
Even the design professions
are realizing this and at-
It.
7-7-
tempting to initiate cooper-
0
ative, participatory design
processes through which users
may shape their environments.
is to propose a means that
Most people are designers in
would enable inhabitants to
the sense that they send
continue to participate in the
their own environmental mes-
physical environment even
sages through their use,
after initial design and con-
selection, and arrangement
struction of a building.
of objects., furnishings, and
changing, enduring life of
space.
places must not be precluded
Recognizing the impor-
This
by idiosyncratic designs.
tant role of the user as a
Buildings, especially dwell-
designer or "changer" of the
environment, the problem con-
ings, should be considered
fronting design professionals
encourage user participation.
"opportunity structures" which
itimnacetf rv9 1 xnib4 fir
the envwrwmt and
they have
Irtalnt
-t
apt awarenea- of Vhe
envunrBet and bOe
abiityto change it.
ConzaetA Abe(
15
Ra1O74P fopo * c(-y
Because the design of
and cultural conventions,
most housing currently sup-
housing technology, and the
poses a unique mode of use and
marketing efforts of the
expression, the potential of
furnishing and home improve-
its occupants for variety of
ments industries.*
expression and participation
may be compromised.
When the
*Andrew Rabeneck and others,
"The Structuring of Space in
Family Housing: An Alternative to Present Design Practice", Progressive Architecture (Nov. 1974), 102.
While physical changes
are somewhat limited and
Teopic
(ik
caS
caa their own- and
wuakz Or~eth
1'ject
o
mismatch is serious the dwell-
predictable, reasons for ini-
ing is said to be obsolete.
tiating changes are personal
Its inability to accomodate a
and highly varied.
variety of acts of dwelling or
the reasons people have
a changing view of home life
stated as their reasons for
age
sometimes makes redevelopment
making changes to their houses
or changing environments (i.e.
are outlined.
**znda>7rd
Jpe7r'naC
moving) more attractive than
rehabilitation.
This is
sad when it
hap-
pens, particularly in light of
Some of
tha
a datt accod~
L detaidad
aCfscatw'z4
a-
w:dd of s,.
a-rnaq
ir&
wMOt
titurotv
1flnag
int-
t4 iedu
be exaoed
changes to environments can be
There are actually
fre
aera h1'
aind anotOpic, cvndt*.
The -Malto
zmt~r
rhoce cyacay * the
the
the fact that many physical
foreseen.
.5 acel vieg
ed
frwn-
a-re tie.
a limited range of possible
changes controlled by social
Robert Sommer-
increase the poten-
(identity) or the
in family make-up or
tial market value of
same as (keeping up
activities.
the house.
with the Jones')
1.--to accomodate change
People may wish to
3.--to rearrange inter-
neighbors.
change the number of
ior subdivisions.
People will upgrade
bedrooms or add more
The possibility of
interior finish mate-
storage area for the
redefining room use
rials, add on more
arrival of a new
by opening up or
space,
baby or in anticipa-
closing off spaces
new household equip-
tion of the inclusion
such as the kitchen,
ment in
of an elderly rela-
living room, or chil-
accepted or display
dren's play area is
a certain status.
seen as an impetus
Change to the home
for renovations to a
is a personal means
house.
of signalling social
tive in
the house-
hold.
2.--to improve home
"quality".
Alterations to kit-
4.--to rezone the house
and purchase
order to be
acceptance or dis-
chens and bathrooms,
Changing interior par-
playing individual
purchase of new
titions can not only
tastes.
equipment such as
change room function
washers,
and addi-
but also redefine for-
tions such as car-
mal and informal
ports or playrooms
areas, child/adult
not only upgrade the
realms, or noisy and
environment for the
quiet zones.
residents but also
5.--to be different from
Of course, there are
many other reasons for changing one's environment.
Rea-
pin down and describe,
cer-
tain inadequacies are seen to
sons for moving or abandoning
be intolerable to most users.
an inconvenient environment
Control over one's environment
can also shed some light on
encouraged by an understand-
aspects that should be encour-
able means of participation
aged or re-thought in new
can lead to a more generally
buildings.
humane environment.
Peter Rossi, in his study
When
people have a way to act out
of the reasons why Philadel-
their needs expressed in their
phian families moved, cited
reasons for change, they then
amount of space as the primary
criteria in the evaluation of
have a motive for investing
care in their environment.
the adequacy of a dwelling.
Such a participatory atmosphere
However, the design of the
makes houses into homes.
house and its ability to
accomodate family size and
age shifts was seen to be an
additional factor which influenced a family's need to
*Peter Rossi, Why Fanilies
Move, 177.
physical place) are hard to
move.*
Although reasoning for
changes to one's environment
(be it moving or adapting the
9-V
The realities of today's housing market are forcing people
cans live in old dwellings.
to re-examine their ideals and
Of about eighty million hous-
to come up with innovative
ing units, only two million
social,
legal, financial, and
are new production units,
architectural solutions to
never before lived in.*
their need for shelter.
also considering the natural
As the post World War II
When
attrition rate of housing
boom of babies matures into
(each year about one third
housing "consumers",
of a million units are taken
the hous-
ing stock in the U.S. is
due
to fall into short supply.
out of use), one can see that
A
current trend toward a lessening vacancy rate in existing
20
t present, most Ameri-
more new housing starts are
definately needed.
The cost of home owning
dwellings and a decreasing
has increased dramatically
number of constuction starts
over the past few decades.
due to high interest rates on
According to the Greater Bos-
loans, points to a potential
ton Real Estate Board, the
housing crisis in this country.
average cost of a single fam-
Production of housing, ham-
ily home in the Boston area
pered by inflation and econo-
was $81,960 in February of
mic constraints, is not keep-
1981 (quite a leap from
ing pace with demand.
$77,867 in February of 1980).
*Roger Montgomery and Daniel R.
Mandelker editors, Housing in
America: Problems and Perspectives, 81.
Today the national average
cost is $77,000 with regions
such as Southern California
reporting a median price of
all homes as high as $112,000
*Stephen R. Mc Connell and
Carolyn E. Usher,, Intergenerational House-Sharing, I.
and rising.*
The price of
maintaining a house has risen
dramatically too.
Between
1970 and 1975 the cost of
maintaining a house rose 63
percent (a rate equivalent to
10.3 percent compounded
*Ibid.
annually).*
The high costs are elim-
0
inating many people from the
market for single family
housing.
Back in 1950, seven
out of ten American families
could afford the cost of a
new median-priced house.
That number had fallen to
four in ten by 1975.
Should
this continue, the U.S. will
become less and less a nation
of homeowners, and despite de-
21
cades of federal encouragement
states still outlawed their
and massive tax subsidies, the
construction.
new single-family house will
*Montgomery, 2p. cit., p.121.
red by singles, childless
The attraction of the
couples, and couples with
single-family home for most
grown children.
buyers consists of a combina-
are seen as a first step to-
tion of pastoral imagery, a
ward home-ownership.
connotation of ownership and
minimize the time and effort
security, a place for children
involved in maintenance and
to play,
and the value and
Often condos
They
up-keep of a home by a pooling
pleasure of land ownership.
of resources.
To preserve some of these
advantages are offset by a
thoee iwwnk
values within a denser, more
lack of privacy and minimal
was the starter Awme
. the condo'ld4(i-
urban context, the concept of
connection with indoor space.
condominiums was developed.
Condominiums offer one type
Condominiums offered insurarre
of ownership solution to the
of ownership and economic
housing problem for some but
profit within a more central-
not all potential housing
ized (urban) environment.
"consumers."
fn the
aftd ioi'e
ka~xa~m
ji(r
a-~
X
1th
ramict
-the eghtes.
Today, condos make up almost
7en Ao0ritI,
Z2-
Condominiums are prefer-
become a luxury item for most.*
However, these
According to projections
50 percent of the new housing
for the 1980's, an increase
market- a phenomenal statistic
considering that as recently
in the number of households
can be expected beyond the
as 20 to 25 years ago many
rate of expansion of the popu-
lation.
The explanation can
newspapers.
Young working
be found in the dramatic rise
persons
in the number of single per-
sons of economy or conveni -
son households.
ence, find it desireable to
The once
and students, for rea-
typical, nuclear family consis-
share housing with others in
ting of a working father,
similar situations.
house-keeping mother, and 2.5
houses for the same reasons
children no longer holds the
as married couples -
huge share of the market that
vantages and investment po-
it once did.
tential -
A survey by the
Lured to
tax ad-
single people are
U.S. League of Savings Associ-
tired of paying high rent
ations showed that single peo-
with no return, real estate
ple made up more than one
agents say.
fifth of all homebuyers in
are changing.
1979.
longer feel that they have to
-the
Aboi~t '~tt'
are
-t~7
J'r~n4de
we
Crn4a
-
Not
only are single-
Also attitudes
f"V~ '7~ 17ZO~.
People no
be married or part of a "blood
person households on the
related family" to enjoy the
rise but also there is be-
comforts of a home.
ginning to be an increase in
of
Zoning regulations and
the number of housing units
ordinances today are re-
shared by independent (non-
stricting some of the options
family-related) persons as
for this type of shared living.
evidenced by the multitude
The most restrictive areas
of "apartments-to-share" ads
designated as "single-family"
in most urban and suburban
or Rl areas in most munici-
(pr~uden~t, A/a t~ina(
a4zd (calv
palities allow no unrelated
The definitions are vague
individuals to reside in a
enough to allow for some va-
single-family dwelling.
riety of household composi-
How-
ever, most jurisdictions allow
tion and various degrees of
homeowners to rent out rooms
sharing.
to unrelated individuals (an
Another hindrance to
average of 3.4 unrelated in-
shared living can be seen in
dividuals in addition to the
the regulations attached to
homeowner are permitted per
supplemental security income
single-family dwelling).
(SSI) for the elderly and the
The
Both of
regulations are aimed at pro-
food stamps program.
tecting neighborhoods from
these programs favor families
increasing in density.
and independent households.*
Most
jurisdictions prohibit board-
Often the economics supported
inghouses, for instance.
by these types of programs
If
all persons, related or un-
will force people to live
related, live as a single
alone instead of pooling re-
housekeeping unit, it is con-
sources and living in inde-
sidered a "family" and not a
pendent group residences
boardinghouse-
(IGR's) set up under HUD
if, on the
other hand, all members do
Section 8 subsidies to help
not have equal access to kit-
the elderly and handicapped
chen, bathroom, and living
remain "connected" to society
facilities, it is generally
and defray living expenses.
considered a boardinghouse.*
Yet, despite the absence
*McConnell, ok. cit., p.3
*Ibid., p. 34.
6
.
of regulatory incentives,
people are finding many advantages to a shared lifestyle
as compared with rental or
condominium ownership.
As the
economy makes much of today's
housing out of reach for many
people, new social and ultimately new regulatory models
will develop and more options
will become viable solutions
to the problem of housing in
the United States.
z5~
Tyje of
At present, it seems
transfer, participation rather
that we as a culture are
than representation, and ser-
moving out of the age of the
vices rather than physical
nuclear family and into a new
production.
society marked by diversity
family, the First Wave was
in family life.
Alvin
In terms of the
characterized by the large,
"extended
Toffler, author of Future
multi-generationa
Shock, in his new book The
family" with many members
Third Wave, divides history
(workers) and a firm rooting
into three major "waves" or
to the land.
stages of cultural develop-
is typified by the "nuclear
ment.
The industrial revolu-
tion and the subsequent development of cities brought
family" -
The Second Wave
independent for mo-
bility and small for economy.
Although the ideal fam-
the world out of the First
ily form for the Third Wave
Wave of rural, agricultural,
is hard to predict at present,
peasant life.
According to
we can clearly see that fam-
Toffler, we are currently at
ilies and lifestyles are
the transition between the
changing.
manufacturing, centralized,
many people today live in the
Second Wave and the future
typical nuclear family (de-
Third Wave which will be a
fined as a working father,
culture based on information
housekeeping mother and two
If
we look at how
children),
*Alvin Toffler, The Third
Wave, 211.
* William Michelson, "Stage in
the Life Cycle and Urban Environment" in Man and His Urban Environment: A Sociological Approach, 97.
the answer is
an
munes, commuting marriages,
astonishing seven percent.*
family clusters, and groups
That implies that ninety-three
of elderly people banding to-
percent of Americans do not
gether to share expenses.
fit
However, these are still not
the Second Wave ideal'
Even if we broaden the defi-
the norm and are viewed as
nition of a "nuclear family"
experimental.
to include households with
still geared for encouragement
fewer or more that two chil-
of the Second Wave nuclear
dren and working mothers,
family.
still
"In economic and social life,
approximately two-
Our society is
According to Toffler:
thirds to three-quarters of
individuals cannot enjoy the
the U.S. population live out-
benefits of widened family
side the nuclear family.
options so long as laws,
It
tax
has also been pointed out
codes, welfare practices,
by sociologist and author
school arrangements, housing
William Michelson that no
codes, and even architectural
less than thirty years of
forms all remain implicitly
one's life span is spent out-
biased toward the Second Wave
side of the nuclear family
family.
situation.*
count of the special needs of
Today we are witnessing
They take little ac-
women who work, of men who
an abundance of alternative
stay home to take care of
living styles and groupings
their children, of bachelors
of individuals including com-
and "spinsters" (hateful
Z7
term'),
or of "between-
marrieds",
224-
*Toffler, op. cit., p.
or "aggregate fam-
or widows living to-
class of young people who are
gether.
All such groupings
leaving home at an earlier age
have been subtly or openly
and marrying later.
discriminated against in
phenomena of a transitional
Second Wave societies."*
living phase is becoming an
a-changin'",
and the pressures
This
acceptable part of one's life
cycle, says specialist Arthur
of economics (outlined in the
Norton.
previous section) and recent
have responded to this new
social and moral transforma-
user group by providing "sin-
tions are pushing people to
gles only" condominiums and
explore some alternatives to
increasing the number of
the "all inclusive" family
"small" and "studio" apartments
lifestyle.
being constructed.
For instance,
there has been a dramatic in-
The housing producers
Another lifestyle that is
crease in the number of
on the rise is people living
"solos"--people who live alone
together without legal for-
outside of any family whatso-
malities.
ever.
more than doubled over the
Today one fifth of all
Their number has
households in the U.S. are
last decade.
categorized as "solo house-
this lifestyle that now unmarried couples are permitted
holds".*
This group includes
not only formerly married
.6
marriages but also a large
ilies",
But "the times they are
*Ibid., p.2 1 2 .
people who live alone between
So common is
by HUD to occupy public hous--
*Tbid.
ing units.*
The high rate of divorce today
The "couple" as opposed
of course,
the cause of
to the "family" is beginning
many of these "mini-families."
to be an important factor in
However,
the housing market.
also finding it
There is
divorced parents are
economically
presently a growth in the num-
advantageous to combine re-
ber of those couples choosing
sources and are thereby cre-
a "child-free" lifestyle.
ating a new family style-the
James Ramey of the Center for
'aggregate family."
Policy Research notes a "mas-
divorced parents marry and
sive shift from 'child-center-
bring the children of both
ed' to 'adult-centered' homes."
former marriages into a new
There are even organizations
expanded family form, problems
such as the National Alliance
of sharing, privacy, and space
for Optional Parenthood which
are created that the typical
are trying to validate this
single family house is often
option for couples today.
unequipped to solve.
Perhaps the most publi-
*Ibid.
is,
When two
It is
estimated that twenty-five
cized and spectacularly in-
percent of American are or soon
creasing new lifestyle is the
will be members of such house-
single-parent family.
Today,
one in seven American children
are raised by a single parent
and that number increases to
one in
four in
urban areas.*
holds.*
As another solution to the
problems of rising inflation,
the lack of appropriate housing, and responsibilities of
19
owned by one of them.
adults are choosing to return
course, there is an enormous
to their old homesteads.
choice of possible ownership
Parents are refurbishing base-
and sharing options ranging
ments, garages, and spare bed-
from a boardinghouse arrange-
rooms to accomodate their re-
ment in which a non-owner has
turning fledglings.
In the
nature of each housing con-
lifestyle in which social,
so many homeowners were ille-
financial, and household
gally renovating their houses
chores are shared equally
to accomodate two families
among the participants.
The variety of lifestyle
vorced offspring and brood),
options is beginning to be
that the town was recently
exploited.
forced to make these so-called
legal and institutional resis-
"mother-daughter" subdivisions
tance to change (clinging to
legal in some areas.*
the Second Wave ideals),
There are, of course, many
Even with the
peo-
ple are beginning to break out
forms of house-sharing that
of the stereotypes of the
are appearing with greater and
"Ozzie and Harriet" view of
greater frequency at the pres-
normality to include a wider
ent time.
The most basic form
spectrum of accepted life-
lated individuals sharing a
styles that can more easily
accomodate today's unique
single-family dwelling that is
culture and the individual
of house-sharing is two unre-
sumer.
only a bedroom,to a communal
New York suburb of Babylon,
(grandparents plus their di-
30
Of
single parenthood many young
*Lynn Langway and others,
"Flying Back to the Nest",
Newsweek, (Apr!l1 7, 1980), 86.
...
fvm
Ont the wdear
will
of the
onty one
-ia({g
a-
x
A ti* -Ter
0P4
As we look to the f
ure,
The beginnings of non-
our vision is naturally color-
family-related house-sharing
ed by the economic and social
groups are now appearing.
phenomena of today.
The
House-sharing in its various
struggle to "make ends meet"
forms seems to be a viable
and a reaction against isola-
living option for old and
tion and depersonalization of
young that will probably be
city life are causing individ-
further developed and promoted
uals to "band together in
by government and private or-
order to survive."
ganizations as well as by in-
The "return-to-the-nest"
dividuals acting on their own
As with other cooper-
movement of young divorced
behalf.
people with children is pre-
ative social and economic ac-
cipitating a resurgence of the
tivities, house-sharing re-
%w -
cotb arV
sponds to the interdependen-
tibutee*-a WWM
there are indications that the
cies among members of society.
and coopeAmti
extended family may want to
As these interdependencies
make its new lifestyle perman-
become more apparent through
"extended family."
ent.
Indeed
In Westchester County,
N.Y., realtor Elizabeth Russo
is now
seeing at least one ex-
tended family a week
that
wants to buy a house together.*
4ficient
jociet,.
$tepkcft
R.
AMcCon~tif
the rest of the twentieth century, requirements for more
efficient use of resources
will be intensified.
Housing as one such re-
*Ibid.
31
source will have to respond
and Stern seems to be based in
to the new lifestyles of the
the Second Wave idea of com-
Third Wave.
plexity and elitism.
Alvin Toffler's
It is
Architecture is slowly
turning to recognize new
view of the future includes a
non-participatory and non-re-
ways for individuals to be-
new type of technology that
sponsive in nature.
come active in their environ-
is less expensive, more energy
trast, however, there are many
ment.
efficient, simpler to under-
contemporary architects who
emerging emphasis on parti-
stand, and able to be imple-
seem to be holding a vision
cipation, flexibility, and
mented on a personal or com-
of the "Third Wave"-type of a
recognition of many lifestyle
munity level.
He predicts that future.
In con-
John Turner in Hous-
There seems to be an
options which points toward
most aspects of civilization
ing By People argues that peo-
the possibilities and re-
will be scaled to the indiv-
ple should control their own
sponsibilities for architects
idual with participation re-
homes and the economic struc-
of the future.
placing representation as the
tures surrounding them.
The
mechanism to facilitate change. work of John Habraken's SAR
In order to develop crea-
method of design shows the
tive, responsive design ap-
implementation of the idea
proaches that will keep pace
that users should have an ac-
with society's changes,
tive role in the design-
an
assessment of the directions
decisionmaking process.
being taken by today's design
Friedman's book Toward A
Yona
professionals seems worthwhile. Scientific Architecture makes
3Z
environment.
The present aesthetic emphasis
on post-modernism as expressed
the case for a human-scaled
in the architecture of Graves
sonal participation in one's
technology which allows per-
SpCie
and 1}"
One innovative response
condo
iums,
the group or
to the critical housing prob-
connected-lifestyle is simply
lem in America is shared
not provided for.
housing.
Shared housing is a
radical idea.
cooperation
It requires
and tolerance for
other people's habits.
It
means a certain loss of priFor these reasons, some
vacy.
people are skeptical that
The issue of limitations
of communal tolerance is cen-
wethe
".o
,wo~&vj a
othefs , Ani how-: Ayo
uo have hadaaveryhAara
tral to the development of a
witk
new housing type that will
,h4g
allow for individual privacy
within a communal household.
astt
we
a'r,
f
a
cuttr
Amos Rapoport has noted
house-sharing will gain much
the mechanisms that our cul-
popularity because Americans
ture uses to control unwanted
' ivatednz
-wnhi Aa he* nan
attd
are so committed to indepen-
interactions and thus obtain
wi'ck tA<, cncepts, of
dent, autonomous living styles.
privacy.
In rebuttal, the observed
There are rules,
both explicit and implicit,
preference for autonomous liv-
such as manners and hierarchies
ing is somewhat biased by the
of "private" activities.
limitations of today's building
chological means such as with-
stock.
Becuase the existing
Psy-
drawal, dreaming, and deperson-
house market consists of single
alization can also offer a
family houses and cellular
sense of exclusion or privacy.
apartments, for the most part,
Culturally defined behavioral
and the newest dwellings are
cues having to do with tone of
'3
voice and conversational dis-
for such social regulations
tance, for example, can be
that limit the unwarranted in-
used to indicate the degree
timacy which would be likely
of "openness" of a conversation
to arise in the absence of
There is also the opportunity
physical barriers.*
for structuring activities in
itectural elements, then, are
time to avoid or encourage
clearly the most effective
overlapping of activities.
and most convenient ways to
Spatial separation through ac-
enforce privacy at the level
tual physical distance can be
of the individual dwelling
an indication of the private
or territory.
nature of a territory or activity.
Then there are architec-
Arch-
The social mechanisms are
somewhat more powerful at the
tural devices such as walls,
interface between the dwelling
doors, curtains, and locks
and the community.
which can physically separate
areas where density is high,
private and communal spaces.*
home life tends to be closed
Most often, privacy is main-
Rules and social mechan-
to the outsider but the larger
other hand, in sparsely populated rural areas,the number
of people that one meets is
stitutes for a lack of physi-
limited and causes a need to
An increase in
density gives rise to the need
31
On the
isms are really partial sub-
cal devices.
know a lot about the people
that one does meet.
sign, 41.
'Ve-em mat, aesae cmof indipex amalga
vidua{ ownerh>, cOm#ntuttaii oTnetA9
arder
In urban
tained through the use of a com- society is very open.
bination of these mechanisms.
*Robert Sommer, Personal Space:
The Behavioral Basis of De-
Society
7bert Sommer
*Amos Rapoport, Human
of Urban Form, 290.
Aspects
is closed but the home remains
relatively open.
Obviously,
Provision of an individual private area for each
this type of privacy-defining
occupant is necessary to
makes use of social and cul-
foster a sense of security
tural mechanisms to a greater
and control over one's home.
extent than physical mechan-
However, some of the advan-
isms could offer.
tages of congregate living
The problems encountered
are the sharing, the nurtur-
by non-related individuals
ing of intimate relationhips,
living together require many
and the sense of "union" and
mechanisms for their solution.
"home."
The designer can draw heavily
developed by shared spaces.
upon his architectural "bag-
It has been shown, for example,
of-tricks" and also provide
that there are more friendships
for physical distances between
in dormitories with common
activities but then he must
washrooms than in those with
rely upon the users and their
private washrooms.*
established codes of social
r1% 'NiE. W0ofN& I (CC ot
m"-T~ &, 'Myft.,,
ad 1y
These qualities are
*ibid.., p. 158.
But what does this tell
norms and privacy behaviors
an architect who wants to
to do the interpretation of
design for privacy as well as
the environment which will
for friendliness?
make the place tolerable as
thing, this points out that
a group residence and as a
there should be a qualifica-
collection of more personal,
tion placed on almost every
private areas.
quality of a building's pro-
For one
35
gram that too much of a good
trol his environment.
thing is not always desireable.
A look at the problem
privacies and some concern for
of occupants of rental units
the issues of inclusion of
(often among the new house-
adaptive possiblities will be
sharing participants) can pro-
positive aspects of any group-
vide some insights as to what
living environment.
degrees of privacy and commun-
special issues of privacy and
ality are sought.
Occupants
There are
abundance of space that are
of rental units are often less
unique to the situation of
*Andrew Rabeneck and others,
"Housing: Flexibility/Adaptability", Architectural Design,
concerned with maximizing
non-family members living to-
(1974),
square footages than with
gether (see section on "Prob-
issues of privacy.*
When
lems"
following the inter-
space is tight, there seems to
views of various congregate
be a greater need for person-
living groups).
al private areas to escape to.
Flexibility in
terms of the
Also there is a greater
need to anticipate normal al-
ability to change the unit
terations of lifestyles over
for new occupants or as space
time when designing for group-
needs of original inhabitants
style living than there is
change is considered an impor-
when designing a single famil3
tant feature.
36
Of course, provision of
The cause can
house, due to the numbers of
be seen in an increased percep-
people involved.
tion of the ability of the
unpredictable and constantly
occupant to manipulate or con-
changing.
Needs are
Intergenerational
76.
To the
...
cal Le
fenter
fe&xi(e
yMcrtant
as an~extena~mof eh
fusiche
very 4rn fed
he wret
{ a
rented prvery 7
tyi, e Oate
the a
Owt enetVfteie2nt *4iu,
a, entied arya, the
fIent*-
wUay
V~fl
iOtutmtI4.
Vu~d
!f eIC fr'eedom
a
dependencies change as do
bility is highly valued in a
friendships, economic, sec-
communal setting.
urity, and recreational needs.
must be spent on anticipation
Storage and space requirements
of changes not only in group
may change on a monthly or
composition but in individual
annual basis while the need
space and privacy needs.
for a different type of access
or mobility may change slowly
over the life cycle of the
occupants.
These changes are
only loosely predictable, and
should therefore not be provided for in a "tight-fit",
functionalist manner.
Over-
provision of space (termed
"slack" space) may be the
answer, yet care should be
taken in considering the
amount and location of such
'extra room."
We can clearly seen then,
that group-lifestyles will
require new architectural as
well as social responses.
Pri-
vacy needs increase and flexi-
More effort
39
6ylej,,
(
The possible reasons for
and social structuring of con-
a family in a large farmhouse.
gregate living are as various
Another group is probably best
and different as are the indi-
described as a boardinghouse
viduals in society at large.
situation with one person
In order to get a closer look
carrying on the management,
at the special problems and
meals, and maintenance jobs
demands of congregate living
but all members sharing in
groups, some interviews of
the social and economic life
such groups were made.
of the house.
Three
Members of the
of these interviews are pre-
third group maintain a cer-
sented in an attempt to docu-
tain degree of autonomy by
ment the different social
privately owning a self-con-
modes of sharing as well as
tained apartment while at the
the actual buildings that
same time connecting them-
these currently functioning
selves to the small "commun-
groups have chosen to accomo-
ity" by supporting some common-
date their shared lifestyles.
ly used facilities.
The three groups inter-
This
sharing pattern is similar to
viewed represent a spectrum
that found in a village, for
of shared/private space use
example.
and social structuring.
One
group shares all expenses and
I0
chores and lives together like
the illustrated current dwell-
NOTE:
ing but which are generally
The selection of these
particulargroups is intended
to illustrate a range of lifestyle and is obviously a
limited sample of shared
living styles. The interviews of residents were conducted at the various dwellings on an informal basis.
They are not intended to be
presented as solid social
science research, but only
as examples or non-rigorous
case studies of actual nonfamily-related groups which
share houses.
applicable and particular to
shared living situations are
presented as a step toward
deriving patterns and guide-
gid5
iteedls alw ngtere!
fixed
wi*fy--
There 6
lines outlined in later chap-
ate6i varied.
ters.
a- p 9'te to Ik prud fvr
The groups interviewed
will also serve as models or
prototypes of three styles of
group living which will be
used to test a design solution later in this thesis.
adaption-, antd freeuent'
41that
prce
isth
lea'e
memrie who culd net
make the change. -Wheri,
bep & of <ier
Iwe
' afearaonce of
Inhabitations of a basic
"framework" in each of the
three different modes (farmhouse, boardinghouse, and
village) will be illustrated
Problems that the groups
7-'ee'3
and evaluated.
iatsr-
4f
wA'div .sme
sonewhere m
be capab1e, but iathier
ithe Xehuwtsr of it' sn,,-ite
med rae er- papect
haumaitt
have found with their dwellings are isolated and dis-
.o-the
ammner
cussed following the interviews.
Solutions that may
not be directly applicable to
I,
Ints'vew A
,lm Aote
A group of five young
adults share a house (once
and philosophical convictions.
With the exception of
converted to a duplex) in
the bedrooms and the small
Somerville, Mass. and find
room off the hall on the sec-
the shared living situation
ond floor, all the rooms in
not only economically advan-
the house are used communally.
tageous but socially stimu-
The front parlor has at times
lating and rewarding.
The
in the past been used as a
residents, some of whom share
private bedroom but presently
an M.I.T. affiliation, include
it serves as a common living
a young married couple and
area.
their 17-month-old daughter
front of the house on the sec-
who claim three rooms at the
ond floor is used as a guest
rear of the second floor, an
room for visiting relatives
independent bachelor who in-
and out-of-town friends.
habits the large front bedroom
The small room at the
The affairs of the house
(the one with a bay window),
such as finances, cleaning,
and a pair of lovers who share
meal preparation, maintenance,
the attic space.
All of the
and grocery shopping are all
residents (with the exception
dealt with on a cooperative
of the baby) are the same
basis.
approximate age (around 30)
ed various scheduling systems
and share many common political
for dividing up tasks and dis-
The group has develop-
tributing finances equitably.
Each member of the household
is an owner (to the extent of
the amount of money that has
been paid in by each individual).
Newcomers may obtain
ownership by buying someone
else out.
This financial
arrangement seems to keep
everyone involved and concern-
2' A
ed with the upkeep of the
house.
The intimate size of the
group seems to produce a
"family" atmosphere in which
chores are shared and time
and energy are given to projects which benefit all members of the household.
This
type of communal life is perhaps best typified by the
type of family cooperation
found in rural farmhouses.
43
FIR5T FLCbOt
o 2.
5ECOND
FL.ooR
-10
'THIRD
POO
The kitchen is a totally
shared facility.
The baby adds special
time.
Food Preparation
All members
ciated on occasions such as
requirements such as keeping
the arrival of out-of-town
certain items on the table
friends or relatives.
This further
There
is also a small furnished
of the household participate
out of reach.
in the preparation of meals
reduces the functional capa-
room in the basement that is
and alternate cooking with
city of the in-kitchen eating
occasionally used to accomo-
area.
date guests (especially in the
cleaning up chores.
Although
there is no cooking schedule,
The kitchen tends to be
summer months when it offers a
On special
the group members are con-
a gathering/social area but
cool atmosphere).
scientious about whose turn it
there is really very little
occasions when the guest rooms
is to cook or shop or wash
undisturbed space for lounging
are full (i.e. holidays, arri-
dishes.
Breakfast is the one
meal that is individually prepared.
All food is
bought
collectively from a local food
coop.
There is a list for
special requiests for items in
and conversation.
Diagonal
for meal preparation by two
etc.)
the
paths of through circulation
front parlor can be easily
criss-cross the space and
shut off by means of the pock-
there remain no out-of-the-
et doors to act as another
way corners in which to relax
guest bedroom.
When guests are invited
or hang out.
for dinner, the extender or
addition to regular staples.
The kitchen is adequate
val of the baby,
extenders of the invitation
Entertaining
Overnight
guests are
usually are expected to plan
cooks at a time but space is
easily accomodated in the
and prepare the meal and all
cramped for informal eating in
small guest room on the second
members of the household are
the kitchen.
It is difficult
floor.
This space routinely
included.
Very little private
for more than four adults to
remains unused (except for
or non-communal entertaining
eat in the kitchen at one
storage) but is greatly appre-
involving food takes place.
15
The layout and lack of
bathroom facilities in close
ment centers around the T.V.
adequate space for maneuvering
proximity to the nursery are
in the front parlor or lis-
limits their use to one person
appreciated for convenience
tening to music in the smaller
at a time.
living room near the kitchen.
possible to double up (allow
or cleaning up inevitable
The individuals seek personal
one person to be showering
messes.
recreation such as reading or
while another brushes his
hobbies in their own rooms but
teeth, for example), which the
located in the back of the
very little entertaining of
residents are willing to do,
second floor near the rear
outsiders occurs in the indiv-
an informal morning use se-
stair landing.
quence has developed.
to be a convenient location
The domestic entertain-
idual territories.
There is
small.
Because it is im-
The locations of the bath-
some sense of lack of space
when caring for a sick baby
Laundry facilities are
This proves
as well as an economical use
Having
associated with the private
rooms (both necessitating
of existing space.
territories in which to enter-
passing through another space)
direct access from the baby's
tain personal friends (one or
also causes availability prob-
room is a positive aspect and
two at a time) without having
lems.
to be part of the whole house-
first floor tends to be used
route to the washer and dryer
hold.
most by the bachelor and the
allows their use even when the
occupants of the attic (quite
nearby nursery is occupied by
a hike!), due to the fact that
a sleeping child.
only the downstairs bath con-
a personal chore, not usually
tains a shower and because
a shared activity.
Personal Care
There are two full bathrooms located one on each of
the lower two floors.
Both
The bathroom on the
access to the second floor
bathrooms have identical lay-
bathroom is through the baby's
outs and are considered too
room.
On the other hand, the
having the option of a second
Laundry is
Identity and Autonomy
The house itself reads
level of cleanliness and upThe common areas,how-
keep.
Both phones are located on the
ground floor--one in the kit-
from the street as a single-
ever, are heavily influenced
chen and one in the hall near
family dwelling.
by decisions made by all the
the dining room.
prominent door on the front
members of the household.
not allow for much privacy
facade which is used by all.
Certain color choices and
when carrying on conversations
This image seems quite accept-
selected pieces of furniture
but it does reinforce the use
able to this group of resi-
are financed and chosen by the
of common areas and facilitates
dents who like to identify
group as a whole.
message taking.
There is one
with the entire household as
a type of "family."
The dwelling is organized
This does
The group has worked out
the telephone problem through
an ingenious system involving
Changes to the Building
The house was at one time
as most typical American sin-
two telephones- one for in-
converted from a single-family
gle-family homes--common areas
coming and one for outgoing
dwelling to a double occupan-
on the entry level with priva-
calls.
For one phone (the
cy flat.
Plumbing was provided
number they give to friends,
to the back portion of the
territories are quite autono-
etc.), they pay for the min-
middle level allowing a second
mous and influenced in decor
imum service and for the other,-
kitchen and bathroom.
and furnishing by the indivi-
they pay for all the service
dual occupant or occupants
plus long distance service
(some of the current residents
that they need for their own
were not members of the found-
This system allows
ing group) purchased the house
cies above.
alone.
The individual
The private rooms are
When the original group
reflections of the tastes of
calling.
their occupants in terms of
more than one resident at a
in the late '60's, the house
color choice, decorations, and
time to be using the telephone.
was being used by one family.
47
Over the years many improve-
ject for the group to work on.
ments and changes have been
House project week-ends are
made to the house, the most
planned and all members of the
significant of which was the
household pitch-in to work on
enlarging of useable square
an improvement to the house
footage by converting the
(-it usually increases not
attic space into bedrooms.
only the quality of the envi-
Painting, extra insulation in
ronment but also the re-sale
ceilings, and additional coun-
value of the house).
ter surface were all group
projects to enhance the quality of the environment.
Main-
tenance and repairs are usually
supplied by the residents although some tasks such as gutter work and removal of lead
paint require the help of
professionals.
The group has a novel way
of initiating and accomplishing
major renovation projects such
as installing the attic skylight.
An individual may re-
ceive as a birthday gift the
opportunity to select a pro-
If8
49
lotentilew
A
0ardiola
Ms.
Nancy Cushman, a widow
room.
All other spaces in-
living in a large, Civil War
cluding the kitchen, dining
vintage, single-family house in
room, and living room are used
Sharon, Mass.,
decided that
living by herself was isolated
communally.
Expenses such as food,
and unpleasant so she consider-
telephone, etc. are shared.
ed sharing her home with anoth-
Ms. Cushman presents each of
Through a
er single woman.
the residents with a monthly
series of events, however, she
bill which is prepared with
found herself renting rooms to
the aid of a calendar nota-
young working men.
She now
enjoys the sense of family or
"campus
living",
as she calls
tion system and includes a
figure for rent.
She is primarily respon-
it, while maintaining owner-
sible for cleaning and main-
ship of the property and a
taining the house.
low-key "landlady/housemother"
chores are not shared although
role.
the men are expected to pitch
The three men each have a
private bedroom and they share
the upstairs bath.
Ms. Cushman
uses the downstairs powder
Household
in by putting up storm windows in their own rooms, for
example.
The men usually stay
room and maintains a private
for about two or three years
her bedstudy in addition to
and are not typically involved
in the decisions concerning
new members of the household.
There was a consultation,
however, when female newcomers were considered.
The
group decided against it.
This style of living is
probably closest to the style
in a boardinghouse.
It dif-
fers from a boardinghouse
substantially in the "family
living" spirit of the group,
the non-scheduled nature of
meals, and the nucleus of
a common religion (Christian
Science) which they all
share.
5/
FIR.ST FLOOK
5z
SECON"D FLOOR
for more than one cook and a
room would be appreciated
sort of informal schedule must
for out-of-town friends and
all with each person storing
be implemented in order to
relatives.
individual provisions on a
share in its use.
Food Preparation
The kitchen is shared by
It also
The group finds domestic
cabinets
doesn't seem to be a much used
entertainment in front of the
Meals are
room for informal gathering,
the living room fireplace
frequently prepared individu-
and chats, perhaps because
or singing around the piano.
ally, but Ms. Cushman enjoys
there is no place to eat or
The T.V. is located in the
fixing dinner for the group
take snacks within the kit-
living room and precipitates
on Sundays and when she is
chen itself.
occasional conflicts in-
separate shelf in
and refrigerator.
volving program selection and
expecting the three men home
Entertaining
at one time.
The Group is small enough
The kitchen seems adequate in size and facilities.
There is
other simultaneous uses of
so that guests are usually
entertained in the company of
really no informal
eating arei in the kitchen and
the living room.
the whole group.
Dinner
Personal Care
The men share the up-+
has beeii suggested that a
guests are easily served in
stairs bathroom and work out
counter with stools for one or
the spacious dining room and
a schedule on an informal
two person meals be installed
parties are usually group
basis.
events (attended by all mem-
clusive rights to the down-
of the cooking facilities migh
bers of the household).
stairs half-bath and bathes
be improved reducing the dis-
night guests (including girl-
when the men are away or
friends) are accomodated on
whenever the bathroom is free.
spite its large size, the kit-
a cot in Ms. Cushman's study.
Most of the time she must put
chen is sometimes inadequate
At times, a separate guest
up with the inconvenience of
it
in the kitchen.
The layout
tance from sink to stove.
De-
Over-
Ms.
Cushman has ex--
53
going down a full flight of
little evidence of individual
stairs and through the public
territories on the building's
entry area of the house-- a
exterior.
very inconvenient condition.
is used by all and there is no
Laundry presents a
The front entrance
way to come in
and out without
problem of scheduling and
passing through the public
personal irresponsibility
areas of the house.
impacting on others in the
idual territories are respect-
The washer and dryer
group.
are located in the basement
so space is
not a problem;
Indiv-
ed by a common understanding
7cm 1 a,*v %91rv t&&Or
Iv[- ilI mom 'tkay- a-,
Md~ti- it yfwvs'ik
that when a bedroom door is
the nee-ayt~ie
closed, its occupant wishes
Peaxe and y'~,~n
Within each private
however,
removal of wet
privacy.
clothes
and back up of loads
room, the occupant is free to
of laundry because the owner
change furniture around, add
forgot or went out of the
his own belongings, and put
house is
a recurring problem
up decorations such as maps or
Individual person-
(one that doesn't arise in
posters.
households in which one per-
alization does not extend to
son does all the laundry).
the common areas of the house
(i.e. kitchen, living room,
Identity and Autonomy
Being originally a single-
54
dining room).
The telephone is shared
family house, the building it-
and causes occasional intru-
self displays only a feeling
sions to privacy when one per-
of family or group and very
son lifts
the receiver while
en-t y' wwa4'aC
erafiwc/.
1idt
JVaty C~~wmoop
another is already on the line.
space.
There is acoustic privacy for
arrangement of furniture has
the upstairs phone provided by
taken place but room functions
a long telephone cord which
have remained fixed,
Of course, much re-
allows the men to pull the
phone into their rooms and
shut the doors after them.
Changes to the Building
The house has had a
very long history and has
undergone many renovations.
It was repaired and "modernized" by Ms. Cushman's father.
More
recently, the downstairs
powder room door connecting
it to the kitchen was blocked
up.
Many doors separating the
downstairs rooms were removed
(the swinging door from kitchen to dining room, for example).
The porch upstairs was
enclosed and linked to the
large bedroom to provide additional year-round living
55
A group of nine working
people share a double triple
two apartments, one occupied
decker in Dorchester, Mass.
by a bachelor and the other
The building is jointly owned
by a married couple.
and one portion of the lower
third floor houses two more
floor is maintained commun-
couples.
ally to provide facilities
apartment includes a painting
for group meals and space for
studio.
group activities.
The occu-
The
One upper level
All members of the
household hold jobs outside
The ages of
pants each have small apart-
of the house.
ments, many with individual
household members range from
kitchens and bathrooms but
28 to 42 yet quite a few
they appreciate the "family"
aesthetic, political, and
atmosphere of belonging to
philosophical ideas are held
the larger household.
Back-
yard space and an entry and
commonly.
The individual apart-
central stairway are also
ments are considered private
shared.
and responsibility for clean-
Two young working women
5NO
second floor is composed of
liness and decor are left to
share the first floor kit-
the individual occupants.
chenless apartment and there-
The first floor common rooms,
fore use the group facilities
backyard,
quite frequently.
The second
and the stairway
are used by everyone.
The financial set-up
reflects the nature of the
extent of sharing.
Each
occupant is a joint owner of
the building.
Monthly pay-
ments maintain common spaces
and heating and electrical
costs as well as the individual apartment spaces.
If a
member or members wish to
leave the household, other
household members are given
first chance at buying their
shares in the house, and in
any case, have absolute judgement concerning new members.
This lifestyle is somewhat similar to the type of
sharing in a village, in which
each member has his own private territory but also contributes to aspects benefitting the entire group.
57
FIRS T FLOOR.
SECOND FLOOR
1 -
20
~HI PsD FLOOK
Food Preparation
Most meals are individually
prepared in the small
kitchens within the apartments.
Breakfasts are always
Since the common kitchen
is not in constant use, space
Large
is not overly generous.
for the same purpose, although
this is
somewhat awkward due
to the unscreened, non-acous-
equipment for storing and
tically-separated nature of
cooking meals for nine or more
the common space.
individual and lunches are
is provided, however.
frequently eaten at various
efficiency the group has de-
included at the group dinners.
Due to the un-
cided to limit the number of
Usually friends of the pre-
certain and varied schedules
cooks in the kitchen at any
parers are invited, but no
of nine independent adults,
one time to two people.
most dinners are eaten in
is a table which is
the individual apartments
chopping, etc., and occasion-
only accomodate twelve people
ally for snacks and coffee
comfortably.
dinners are usually attended
when the meals are not in
vate entertaining involving
by everyone, and prepared by
process.
snacks and meals also takes
workplaces.
also.
Wednesday and Sunday
For
There
used for
Those who prepare the group
more that three at one time,
as the dining room table can
Of course, pri-
place in the individual apart-
household members two at a
time on a rotating schedule.
Dinner guests are often
ments although most apartments
Entertaining
Guests are usually accom-
dinners for the week are re-
odated within the individual
sponsible for shopping for
apartments.
All of the apart-
do not have a formal eating
area.
Holidays are not usually
ments have living rooms which
celebrated by the members as
usually shared and is often
can be used as sleeping spaces
a group since they all have
seen as an activity which
for overnight guests.
brings members of the group
occasions the sofa in the com-
invite them to share in festi-
together.
mon living room has been used
vities.
those meals.
Clean-up is
On rare
relatives and friends that
The household members
59
do regularly pool resources
back stairs on the first floor.
is a good reflection of the
and throw an annual party to
This location was preferred
nature of the social group-
which they invite people who
over the previous basement
ing of the household inside.
are joint friends.
This party
location but still presents
and the common entry help
usually involves a lot of co-
difficulties when the common
ordination and is a prime
kitchen is in use.
facilitator of a "group sense"
bers of the household have
Members of the household have
of the household.
simply adjusted their laundry
a strong sense of belonging to
schedule to avoid the group
the group, yet they can tell
meal times but others have de-
a visitor or repairmen how to
cided to take their laundry
find their individual terri-
Personal Care
There are relatively few
Many mem-
This
give the feeling of a "home."
tory inside the building.
conflicts in this area, since
to local laundromats.
each apartment has its own
necessitated a pay-by-the-load
The individual apartments
system of financing the washer
are almost totally autonomous.
seen as a real redundancy of
and dryer and the utilities
Furnishings, wall coverings,
services, it is the one thing
which they need.
and interior finish materials
bathroom.
While this can be
are chosen and installed by
that the residents appreciate
They say that they
most.
would much prefer to give up
Identity and Autonomy
The facade of the build-
individual occupants.
There
is also a group participation
their small kitchens if it
ing connotes a multiple-family
atmosphere to the place, as
came to an issue of trade-off
dwelling but also presents
evidenced by doors to apart-
with their own personal bath-
only a single door to the
ments being left open to com-
rooms.
street.
Laundry facilities are
located in a closet under the
60
The central circulation
The building, being
mon hall areas, small groups
an independent structure with
of residents watching T.V. or
many stratifications within,
having coffee in one of the
apartments and a common "plant
necessitated the addition of
hospital" in a sunny window in
two new bathrooms,
one of the apartments.
the second floor and one on
The members share a tel-
the third floor.
one on
Bathroom and
ing's skin are anticipated,
group approval and often group
support (financial and physical) is required.
The mem-
kitchen locations were con-
bers of the group frequently
great deal of confusion and
fined to the rear portions
discuss minor changes to the
loss of privacy even though
of the building near to exis-
building and routine mainten-
there is an extension on each
ting piping.
ance problems.
ephone line.
This causes a
floor plus a phone in the com-
Fire escapes were also
They recognize
the value of pooling their
required by code when more
efforts in this area, because
(of the kind where one person
interior partitions and doors
as partial owners,
is on the line when another
were added making more sub-
stake in making the house a
picks up the phone and begins
units.
nicer place in which to live.
mon kitchen.
Interruptions
to dial) are common and there
The second floor remains
is usually quite a wait for
truest to the original floor
the phone in the evenings.
plan and the third floor apart-
Some members have suggested
ment containing the painting
paying for more telephone
studio is perhaps the most
lines, perhaps a different one
'adjusted" or "modified" area
for each floor.
of the building.
Interior
walls were moved around conChanges to the Building
The building was originally three large apartments,
one on each floor.
This
siderably and two skylights
were added.
When major modifications
concerning walls or the build-
each has a
Discovered
ay of
Suw
PROBLEM:
"The bathroom's too small!"
* There's very little room to manuever.
* Two people cannot be in there at the same time.
* Mornings are sometimes a hassle with everyone wanting to
use it at the same time.
- Waiting for the john is a pain -
literally!
" Showers should be showers - not tubs.
* The bathroom is always a mess.
We hate to have guests
use it.
SOLUTIONS:
* Increase the number of bathrooms (at least provide
half-baths for the use of small sub-groups of the household).
- Increase the square footage of bathrooms.
- Allow pieces of equipment to be shut-off from the rest
of the bathroom and independently accessed to allow
simultaneous use.
* Provide shower stalls as well as tubs.
e Provide at least one half-bath to be used communally and
to be kept nice for guests.
6Z
PROBLEM:
"The kitchen's too small'"
* More than two cooks is
impossible.
- There's no place to "hang out" for a cup of coffee in
the kitchen.
* Most of our household scheduling and bills are discussed
in the kitchen.
It would be nice to have a desk there.
* Finding storage space is always a problem.
* It would be nice to have more connection to the dining
room to pass plates back and forth, for instance.
SOLUTIONS:
* Increase the square footage of kitchens.
* Provide space for a pantry, shelves (both overhead and
below counters), and space for an extra appliance
(i.e. refrigerator or freezer).
* Provide for the possibility of an open connection to
nearby eating spaces.
e Provide some in-kitchen eating space.
* Provide space for a desk and telephone for household
business activities.
PROBLEM:
"There's no way to come and go unnoticed!"
* The front door is the only way out.
- If somebody else is entertaining guests in the living
room, I am obliged to meet them when I come in, regardless
of my appearance or previous activity.
- Coming in late at night could disturb others.
* I wish I had my own mailbox.
SOLUTIONS:
- Provide options for entry and exiting (more than one door
and more than one vertical circulation possibility).
* Carpet stairs to reduce noise.
- Provide each resident with a private mailbox near the
entry.
* Provide an entrance removed from the formal, common areas
of the house (fire escape-type stairs might be the answer).
PROBLEM :
"I wish my room was just a bit bigger'"
* My private territory is only one room.
e
Finding a place to store all my junk is a real problem.
e
The only way to be part of the house while in my room
is to leave the door open.
* Another window would be nice.
-
I wish there was a way to accomodate overnight guests, for
instance, when my sister visits me.
* If I only had a wash basin in my room, life would be so
much easier.
SOLUTIONS:
% Increase the square footage of individual private territories.
* Provide variable links to the public realm (i.e. interior
windows, or sliding walls, or shutters).
* Provide more space for storage (more than normally
provided in the average single-family house).
" Provide the possibility for a sink or small half-bath
directly associated with each private territory.
*
Provide small, shared living spaces which could be
occasionally used as guest rooms (shared by occupants of
a couple of different private territories).
xibfiy,
j
ytal
ity
67
Architects really began
"form follows function" as a
to focus on adaptable build-
rebellion against the histor-
ings with the advent of the
ical repetition and outrageous
"functionalist movement" in
ornamentation so prevalent at
the 1920's and 30's.
The
the turn of the century.
Yet
enthusiasm of many zealous
quickly the functionalists
"functionalists" sprang from
turned their attention toward
the idea that for centuries
form and away from function.
man had to adapt himself to
It was as if the structure
his dwellings but from now
itself- the harmony with the
on dwellings will be made to
site, the integrity of the
adapt to man because the tech-
materials, the cohesiveness
nology exists to make them do
of the separate units- had
so.
become the "function" of
This was a noble and quite
building.
Relatively little
sensible ideal but the build-
emphasis was placed on acti-
ings that were produced by
vities taking place within
many so-called "functionalists"
the structure.*
showed only minimal concern
Perhaps they were di-
for human behavior and de-
verted from their original
sires--the very reason for
intent because there existed,
their credo.
at that time, relatively lit-
Frank Lloyd
Wright put forth the doctrine
&S8
tle behavioral and environ-
*Robert Somer, Personal Space:
The Behavioral Basis of Design,
3.
mental social science research
land have been the first to
and because they were arch-
experiment with "flexible" or
size family.
In France and Germany,
itects (architects for the
"adaptable" housing.
a "tight-fit" concept of func-
most part schooled in the
theories and research efforts
tionalism was causing a high
Beaux-Arts tradition) who
were motivated by a desire to
rate of obsolescence.
were trained to deal with
make a precious resource
governments soon began to
issues of form.
(housing) have a longer non-
encourage the idea of flexi-
they had enough vision to at
obsolescent life and to pro-
bility in plan layout.
least voice the need for more
vide a pleasant environment
responsive buildings.
for people in order that they
problem of inadequate mass
their inspiration many small
might be motivated to invest
housing production and looked
"movements" have blossomed.
more care in their dwellings,
to a "flexible" system with
making them last longer.
many options that would permit
Nevertheless,
From
"Flexibility", "expandability", "self-help",
yourself",
vices",
"do-it-
"sites and ser-
etc.,
are all ideas
The
In Sweden, a shortage of
skilled on-site
labor and a
The
The Netherlands had the
personalization of living environments (i.e. the SAR
method).
totally saturated housing
England's rapid inflation
and realities that have shared
market led to the utilization
the functionalist ideology and
of moveable partitions.
have been actively expressed
easily manipulated walls cut
caused experimentation with
by designers, theorists, and
down on the amount and quality
extendable, incremental houses
users of places all over the
of on-site labor and provided
which allowed a greater seg-
world.
a marketing bonus because new
ment of the population to
interior layouts could be
participate in the housing
shortages of material and a
easily arranged to suit the
market.
limited amount of developable
needs and preferences of any
European countries with
These
and wide income differential
In observing all of these
(Op
anticipation of user rejec-
that most of the solutions en-
tion.
tail some degree of overprov-
in his La Meme student housing
as a catalyst to get people to
ision above and beyond what
project at Louvain provided
finish, change, and persona-
might be considered "normal"
brightly flowered curtains
lize their homes.
(i.e. additional area, move-
anticipating that people
able partitions, more linear
would hate them and replace
of homes movement and the idea
feet of exterior wall, etc.).
them with curtains of their
of modular planning that ac-
This seems to be an essential
own choosing.
factor when seeking out multi-
that this would provide for
of encouraging participation.
ple interpretations and adap-
an awareness of the possi-
Carl Koch, father of TechBuilt
tive possibilities.
bilities for change and
modular homes, had the idea of
thereby encourage further
providing packages of pieces
be considered is user parti-
modifications to the environ-
and additional modules for
cipation in the environment.
ment.
expansion.
Another factor that must
Most "flexible" housing
schemes would simply fail
without it.
Some architects
Architect Lucien Kroll
It was felt
Le Corbusier's workers'
Many of the
aged, even forced, if the
finished, making the dwelling
tried is
overprovision in
cleverly designed to fit to-
forcing the user to choose
interior walls were left un-
participation" that has been
The pieces are
economic incentive to force
participation must be encour-
One method of "forced
companies it is another method
gether in a variety of ways,
participation.
"to fly."
The whole prefabrication
housing at Pessac used an
have taken the position that
project is
7Q
footage (due to the money that
was saved), but it also served
developments, we can conclude
how his house will be organized.
These examples are cited
exempt from a 7% tax on fin-
to illustrate only a few of
Not only did
the ways that "flexibility"
ished housing.
this allow the architect to
has been implemented in the
provide a bit more square
past.
In a more general sur-
Housing at Pessac, by Le Corbusier (before)
21
Plans, housing at Pessac (top, before; bottom, after)
-1
mr~Ti
I
I
I
I
-
D:LL.fliilPh
'1
-J
Housing at Pessac (after)
71
,vey, we can see that past
attempts fall into categories
best described in terms of
analogies.
The analogy of the "wine
bin",
for example,
has been
used in describing projects
which utilize a clear, rigid
structure which supports individual, contained units.
Corbusier's Marseilles Block
is an example of this type of
housing.
Today the appeal of
the industrial loft building
for conversion to housing
stems from this "minimal
structure", or wine bin approach to flexibility.
Another analogy similar
to the wine bin is that of
a "bookshelf".
7Z
Townland pro-
space for interpretation.
posed this analogy which
His idea is that bookshelves
still requires a separation
contain more than just books.
of structure and infill but
They also hold plants, bric-
incorporates some ambiguous
a-brack, shells, etc.
In
other words, the building
personalization and choice are
should leave some "slack"
encouraged.
which can be interpreted by
one can ob-
serve many other analogies.
the users.
that
However, the task facing to-
Providing an
day's designer is not to in-
A famous analogy is
of the "seed".
Obviously,
initial "pod" or small dwell-
vent new analogies but to
ing with optional possibilities provide good dwellings that
for growth, Danish architect
incorporate the goals of flex-
Peter Stephensen, Carmen
ibility, user participation,
Corneil, and many others have
and growth that inspired the
worked to develop and market
analogies.
this idea.
often easy to get caught up in
The "game of chess" ana-
Naturally, it is
the analogy and end up with an
logy was offered by Carl Koch
inefficient, dehumanizing
as an alternative to the in-
building.
flexible, anonymous nature of
sideration of the higher goal
prefabricated mass housing.
of provision of a congenial,
The idea is that the house is
life-giving environment are
created by a kit-of-parts (the
crucial.
board and pieces)
Moderation and con-
than, a,0nyo~ew~~,u
1* a
ait
fr'im
that- #o"/
v
~tr~
6hvr~
and guide-
lines for their assembly
(rules of the game).
The
house is then "played out"
thi
th4W
ae tied *r
i.
5aovv i~av6"
rather than predetermined and
7.3
Ternj,
and fittings.
Before exploring the
methods for increasing the
* 4.
Provide lighting
life of buildings and de-
sockets located ac-
fining terms such as "flex-
cording to room func-
ible" and "adaptable",
first
examine the character-
istics of what exists.
tion.
let us
*
reflect room function.
ent day buildings have many
*
0
Andrew Rabeneck's list
* 2.
Proportion rooms
for intended use.
* 3.
Provide function-
related furniture
Provide single
rooms.
Provide space
only.
8.
door access to all
Today's dwellings:
for one function
Make use of cor-
living rooms).
*
e 1.
7.
(to most rooms except
of characteristics illustrates
this.
Generally provide
ridors for room access
alizeable, long-living dwellings.
6.
only one living space.
sidered progressive when advocating adaptable, person-
Provide windows
placed and sized to
Pres-
features which are not con-
5.
*
9.
Locate rooms on
basis of shortest
distance adjacency
(kitchens next to
dining rooms).*
*Andrew Rabeneck and others,
"The Structuring of Space
in Fcanily Housing: An Alternative to Present Design
Practive", Progressive Architecture, (Nov. 1974), 102.
There are basically just
concepts.
two strategies for dealing
In other cultures, nota-
with buildings wiLh these
bly the Japanese, perceptual
characteristics.
privacy is employed as a sub-
Once they
are "past their prime" (in
stitute for actual, physical
other words, behavioral cus-
barriers.
toms have changed and they
and mental barriers seem to be
are no longer the ideal living
one way that people can adapt
environment) we may scrap the
to crowded environments, for
building entirely noting that
example.
Social conventions
Increasing space is an-
it was highly serviced, single
purposed, and quite sensitive
other way to adapt a dwelling.
to change.
The structure must be "over
The other option
is to stop building these
built" to allow for expansion.
types of dwellings and turn
Also there needs to be some
our attention toward "design-
type of regulatory mechanism
ing-in" adaptation possibil-
for negotiation of expansion
ities.
with one's neighbors.
Re-allocating space
There are many actions
which people can take in or-
through the use of moveable
der to make their dwellings
partitions and the like is
more comfortable.
perhaps the most studied meth-
Perhaps
a new, more adaptable form
od for increasing possibil-
of building could learn much
ities within one's own housing
from employing the following
unit.
Careful correspondence
75
to fire exits, mechanical
systems, and window openings
is necessary.
Space can be reconceptualized.
Sleeping lofts and
partial definitions between
spaces are some of the ways
that one can re-interpret his
living space.
The concept of
a space-within-a-space (a canopy bed is
is
a minimal example)
another way in which de-
signers are reconceptualizing
residential space (see Sea
Ranch condominiums by MLTW).
Equipment can also be
reconceptualized.
The hide-a-
bed sofa and storage walls are
recent examples of furnishings
which can change room definition.
Other examples for the
creative interpretation of
space are moveable kitchen
and bathroom equipment and
roll-away beds which may be
FYexitbCe
huddy pAwne
internad diuFxenaans,
C41
he varried oivernht are
cn
-so~egtier &
prohkem. 'e
the
ocher com-
of spaces that a-n- bv
used ad needed.
1pobert .ominer
*Chester Sprague and others,
"Extended Outline", 12.
stored under level changes
The word "tractable" comes
and platforms.
from the Latin "tractabilis"
The designer of a build-
or "tractare", meaning manip-
ing may remain aware of these
ulable, manageable, or pliant.
concepts but basically he has
One obsolete meaning for trac-
only two ways to influence
table is
the adaptation possibilities
handled or touched."
of his building--providing
purposes, it is this sense of
for choice, and allowing
tactile, hands-on engagement
change.
of users with the physical
To encourage parti-
"capable of being
For our
cipation by the user, he may
pieces of architecture that is
provide a variety of unit
intended.*
layouts and/or a variety of
Within the concept of
sizes of spaces within units
tractability there are the
to enable the inhabitants to
concepts of "adaptable" and
exercise a wide play of choice
"flexible" built environments.
in the use of the built en-
Adaptability relates to choice
vironment and he may provide
while flexibility focuses on
a clever structural system
possible changes.
which provides clues for
environments make use of
changes or adaptations to the
ambiguity and generosity of
physical structure.
space to enable buildings to
In doing so he contributes to what we will call
the building's "tractability".
Adaptable
change use over time with a
minimum of demolition to the
structure itself. Flexible
77
housing employs a careful
higher ceilings or dormers)
... I think that thwajh
location of construction ele-
and a redundancy of structure
maki~9 tA4-,
ments and service distrib-
to achieve new types of
ution along with moveable
spaces-within-spaces (also
fit
partitions and convertible
lofts, etc.).
of intncalftg
differ-
asedi dejf 4-ertsJ
U'e csta,
equipment to allow environ-
aisd reI~pctto the cn6iAhaat
viqpatherzi
ments to change over time but
tractable environments is the
within a particular housing
fact that, given an opportun-
context.
ccla e " as-titudAe, wh&Ji,
ity, people will make varied
attor's espectfuly tfrhMat
feo~earse alto dffee~rt
Tractable architecture
and fluctuating decisions
devetp
a
"friendy
also includes the ideas of
about
"add-on" and "add-in".
adjust their physical places.
encea can /M kit.
ideas correspond to the
"The physical forms and mat-
don't need
earlier mentioned concepts of
erials work together and
increasing space and of re-
separately to produce in-
conceptualizing space.
place options for choice to
These
The
how they will use and
"add-on" idea requires some
support these decisions.
construction overprovision (in
Should the range of choices
the form of paved patios and
not extend far enough, then
exterior
sills or low
walls) to indicate possibilities for expansion.
79
The whole impetus for
u e -re
The "add-
an'd that
Elements of form and mat-
in" idea requires some slight
erials are quite important to
overprovision in terms of
the degree of tractability of
building volume (for example,
an environment (see section on
to
We
fnd
A,
redafivecorn zon de-
A'{aan~e Smithk
the users will tend to change
the places..."*
theirf- dffer-
*Ibid.
Building Materials and Structural System).
The "organ-
"Permanent form",
on the
izational form" or overall
other hand,
scheme controlling the posi-
tractable" in
tion of all materials, dimen-
ent" stud wall partition or
sions, and inter-relationships
a non-bearing masonry wall
of spaces is the form which is
could be torn down or changed
perhaps most critical yet the
or added with a moderate
most influenced and controlled
amount of mess and inconven-
by the architect.
ience but without an expert's
Its compo-
nent forms include "fixed
form:,
*Ibid., p.36.
ifications to the fixed form.
and
"moveable form".*
structural elements
We can call
it
"non-tractable",
is
usually made of the heavi-
because it
est, most indestructable material,
that a "perman-
"Operable form" includes
those elements of a building
"Fixed form" connotes the
of the building.
"relatively
advice or structural damage.
"permanent form",
stationary,
is
is integrated with
that can be actively adjusted
in place.
These elements in-
clude doors, windows, shutters, and even folding walls.
We will say that operable form
is "highly tractable".
Furniture and portable
utility systems, and requires
equipment are examples of
expert help and advice to
"moveable form".
change.
of form is
Usually, it is easier
to scrap the entire building
than it is to make major mod-
able",
the "most tract-
because it
relocated,
This type
added,
is
easily
or elimin-
79
holidays, dinner parties,
ated.
All of these forms are
These are
present in almost every single-
situations that today's arch-
family dwelling in this coun-
itect must anticipate and
try.
They all contribute to
allow for, but by concentra-
a greater or lesser degree to
ting on the long-term flexi-
the flexibility of the dwell-
bility issues, perhaps users
ing.
There are also degrees
their dwellings on a day-to-
age inhabitant would like to
day basis once they are shown
Long-
term flexibility in terms of
adaptations to the physical
7Ae
vinna* wo
,iia[
ej
deter-
W r A s s
4ede that it cast be
cangvel at any fturPe
The possibilities are
concept of space.
The idea
is that if a majority of ac-
today are demanding medium-
tivities can be carried on
term flexibility--the ability
in rooms of a certain rather
to accept temporary changes
limited range
in life patterns (i.e. ill-
such rooms than actually need-
ness or week-end guests)--
ed ought to be supplied (over-
and short-term flexibility--
provision).
the ability for change to
improved.
tions and social events (i.e.
tent.
erwetope antd the knws-
what we have been focusing on
accomodate various celebra-
0a*n- Cp.ataVAfexibky
over itm. 7Tt
zedentcy
ao
of our cat-eanot
to them.
more abundant in a "loose-fit"
Yet most lifestyles
desgn' feexibiA&t
the possibilities available
aspects of a dwelling is
thus far.
TwitiaC
will be encouraged to adapt
of flexibility that the aver-
demand of his dwelling.
so
weddings, etc.).
of sizes, more
Choice is thereby
In designing flexible,
adaptable environments, over-
aford t, -eir jwry h4,1Ae1*
ten4
ep-
e
jaiz- ifuy flexibi~(
A1dtet
Iabemeck
.
-
ACe
44
C1iz
ao oaih~e,
r~retawa
it&-te eozje ofqcahSc
its
a
mum
capaciy'
Of
atnce
c-setti4C im~tporere
that
s afe
Vtfact
.
the
diffr
(uaiatative, otherwje
tkey aft Oferr the
!ame t '_ , and it
Wift
helpful, but over-provision of
over-the-table light fixture
artifacts or built-in compon-
is an example.
ents that reduce the possibil-
fireplaces and windows (high
ities for change can be a real
windows = privacies; average
deterrent to participation.
windows = living areas; low
An example of this over-design
windows = circulation or
can be seen in most college
entry) can also suggest and
dormitory rooms, which come
even limit the use of spaces.
complete with built-in book-
The idea is not to provide
shelves, desks, and even beds.
completely bland, ambiguous
The most frequent expression
space but to choose carefully
of dissatisfaction from occu-
locations and types of details
Location of
pants of these rooms concerns
which do not limit the use of
the lack of personalization
pseado-
various spaces.
possible when the furniture
of
intepretati
ilt
dining room with a central
thus be on~y a-
questwv
ne4w
provision of space can be
stereot,e
and aJ'Irtem
be berrz
JferPeyger
is "nailed down".
There is also a danger
In summary, tractability,
the "hands-on" manipulation
capacity of a built environ-
of providing excessive and
ment is a one-word description
inappropriate detail that in-
of the possiblities provided
hibits re-interpretation of
for choice (adaptability) and
spaces.
Placement of elec-
change (flexibility).
Several
trical outlets and lighting
types of form may be employed
fixtures can turn spaces into
in order to provide ways for
one-use rooms.
The standard
inhabitants to reinterpret
81
Tn a changingf
it adapt a.
rd
e
g
their environments.
r h44
As long
as the designer does not inhibit those interpretations
ab4abva
by building in furniture or
details which particularize
spaces, a careful location of
frgxdtt4pl" 44-
fr?
building elements and some
fiarnong,~
baanue,
degree of over-provision of
ihyttin- ez -
citkeinez
t,
Both
1aiesty and fCex-
ether
fe
or
ibiaity inherentLg
cvase the rngue of
1
i'i-
at-
eaJ ' a. mact-
*)pir-2;of jet"r-ng
pze a'Yer"IFt Can
euit /Wi <tsetect -to
dwiduta- -need4 . ..-. Tkex-
and,
sucl terma ao wa(ttipaipse, ma(?iude, and
cotwiertible .spces, .. it
6
c (ovg
it prmi
82
iced
in
feitft
aperwn 1r
space and services can greatly
enhance the tractability of
dwellings.
_Ix vej
tm
ew,4t,
One of the objections to
change is
tion it
If
the kind of disrup-
brings to one's life.
change means a period of
dust, confusion, and loss of
must forecast the amounts and
kinds of efforts necessary
to accomplish specific modifications.
It has been long recog-
momentum, it is understandable
nized that space within build-
why many people simply adjust
ing has "adaptive costs".
themselves to their environ-
These costs are higher the
ments and tolerate cramped,
more rigidly designed the
unsuitable dwellings.
original structure.
The idea
When considering the
of costs and a cost/benefit
alternatives to major change,
ratio is central to the con-
there is often a good deal
cept of tractability.
of worry about living a per-
relatively tractable place is
ceptually temporized life with
a physical place in which
jerry-rigged, junky facilities
users can achieve a high
The requirement then, is
"A
degree of useful adaptation
to not only change with ease
compared to the effort expen-
but "to achieve a well-appoint-
ded on adapting."*
ed and resolved solution--
other way, tractability can be
*Robert Propost, The OfficeA Facility Based on Change,
33.
Grace with Change."*
said to be "the ratio of bene-
to achieve this "graceful"
fit to cost in increasing
*Sprague, g.
change,
choice by changing a place."*
*Sprague, 2.
cit.,
cit.
p.13
In order
the original designer
Put an-
-
83
There are a number of
hassles.
Another factor, "shut
factors which combine to define the cost side of the
tractability ratio.
The fac-
down time" in
truncation of on-going activ-
tors are influenced by skills
ities and an accomodation of
(social and technical) as well
life patterns to avoid the
as by financial resources of
mess associated with change
users.
can significantly add to the
"Negotiation effort" is
''cost" of building adaptation.
cate-
"Technical demand"
perhaps the most prohibitive
factor since if a proposed
gorizes the factor dealing
change requires extensive
with skills required to accom-
cooperation of neighbors or a
plish a modification.
redifinition of legal owner-
in
ship boundaries, the project
must be sensitive to what
may be abandoned before it has
people can do with certain
begun.
Social skills and
often legal expertise are
called for.
81f
terms of a
Many possibili-
It is
this area that the designer
materials and what
building
skills they are likely to
possess.
The designer should,
ties for change are ignored or
of course, choose materials
overlooked due to the per-
that lend themselves to
ceived inflexibility of prop-
change.
erty rights, legal definitions,
structure of the building
and economic negotiations all
require alteration beyond the
related to bureaucratic
expertise of the unit's
If the materials or
dweller, negotiation effort
to quantify and categorize
must be relied upon to engage
but often outweigh the costs.
the help of relatives or
As testimony--the many reno-
friends or the services of
vations to houses all across
tradespeople.
the country.
Which brings us to the
*ibid., p.17.
final, but probably most im-
in today's housing market
portant factor-"cost".
should be to increase the
The
dollar value of materials
tractability of new housing.
and time (labor) is often the
In order to tip the ratio
make-it-or-break-it factor
toward the benefits side,
when considering a change to
prior thought about materials,
one's environment.*
space organization, and amount
While these types of
and size of spaces can provide
investments seem important
the original building with
blocks to the concept of
less "costly" opportunities
tractability in dwellings, it
for change.
must be remembered that they
A building is primarily
are only one side (the nega-
a membrane for separating an
tive side) of the ratio of
often harsh environment from
costs
*Charles Wing, From the Walls
In, 61.
The task of a designer
and benefits.
The
the inside, controlled envir-
benefits in terms of congeni-
onment.
al atmosphere, spaciousness,
and personal control over
side envelope costs moneyas much or more than construc-
one's environment are harder
ting a new house.*
Changing that out-
But
changing interior spaces,
Unfortunately, as Sam Davis
especially if anticipated by
points out in The Form of
the designer, can be remark-
Housing, methods of finan-
ably inexpensive.
cing housing have not followed
Another relatively inexpensive way to achieve tractability
is by providing an
Space
abundance of raw space.
can be interpreted in many
ways and can add little
to the
this logic, but rather a simple
cost per square foot formula.
The result is that all housing
space is expensive and therefore minimal provision of
space is the norm.
The "life
overall costs of a building.
cycle costs" of the building
Once the foundations are
and its suitability for many
built, the electrical wiring
generations of diverse users
and plumbing supplied and
are ignored.*
routed, and the kitchen and
The present failures do
bath fixtures bought and
not destroy the validity of
hooked up, the remainder of
the point, however.
the dwelling is relatively
in the long term is the best
inexpensive.
buy in terms of the potential
Therefore, smaller units
Space,
for highly tractable environ-
are often more expensive per
ments.
square foot than larger
points out--"Given a ten per-
dwellings since the high cost
cent increase in space stand-
of standard equipment must
ards (about seven percent
As Andrew Rabeneck
be distributed over less area. higher costs), considerable
*Sam Davis and others, The
Form of Housing, 212.
*Andrew Rabeneck and others,
"Housing: Flexibility/Adaptability", Architectural
Digest (1974), 79.
choice is possible using only
in the arrangement and place-
conventional gadgetry (i.e.
ment of various building mat-
folding doors...)."*
erials that will show many
All the space and gadgetry
generations of inhabitants
provided in an ideal tractable
what the possibilities are.
environment is a bad investment
The building itself must be-
if the user remains unaware of
come an educational tool.
the possibilities open to him.
In adaptable housing
Education of the users is
projects in
essential to achieving the
users who are
end of a changing, long-living
the advantages of the sliding
environment.
wall systems are very satis-
In the case
Sweden and France,
initiated in
where a designer works with
fied with their dwellings.
the future users in planning
They value the knowledge that
a dwelling, the system's ad-
they can change their homes
vantages and manipulation
with a minimum of effort and
possibilites can be brought
disruption as well as valuing
to the user's attention. How-
the knowledge that if a deci-
ever, this situation happens
sion proves inconvenient, it
only rarely (in participa-
can be modified later.
tory projects) and at most,
It is this type of satis-
only once in the life of the
faction that weighs heavily
building (at its conception).
on the "benefit" side of the
The challenge to the designer
tractability ratio.
thus becomes to leave clues
tangible knowledge of the
The in-
67
possibilities of changing and
expanding can give a sense of
security (won't have to move
if lifestyle or family size
changes) that can often outbalance all of the investments
of negotiation, time, skill,
and expense necessary in making changes.
role is
The designer's
to minimize, in
the
original building, features
that will hinder changes and
cause investments to be higher
than they need to be.
S
and SP7e-
09
90
There are specific "moves" that an architect can make
when designing a building which will make that building more
flexible or adaptable and therefore more satisfactory to its
occupants who can then have more control over their environment.
Many of these "moves" can be expressed in terms of
"patterns" for proposed actions.
These patterns can then
be used as an optional catalogue of general principles,
dimensional specifications, and specific building elements
which can be employed to increase the adaptation possibilities of a building.
NOTE:
In the sense of cataloguing optional rules to follow for
the purpose of increasing the "habitability" of an environment, the author is using the word "pattern" in a manner
similar to the manner of Christopher Alexander in his book,
A Pattern Language. However, the specific format of the
"patterns"
(which are here divided into three types - guide-
lines, standards, and devices) is significantly distinct from
Alexander's "patterns", which are somewhat less physically
specific and much better documented with observations and
sociological data.
91
General notions which are used to set up fundamental
organizations of territories and which are basic to an adapThese are,
table shared environment are defined as guidelines.
by nature, non-specific but generally applicable.
They are
perhaps the most fundamentally important "rules" to follow
in designing a successful shared living environment.
Most of the reasoning behind these guidelines has been
stated in earlier chapters dealing with the necessity for
flexibility, over-provision of interpretable space, and minimization of built-in elements.
NOTE:
The list
of guidelines presented here is in no way meant
to be exhaustive.
The author's intention was to present a
few general topics for advice and further testing.
Some of
these ideas may prove to be too specific or actually incorrect when applied to a design example.
9Z.
PROVIDE "SLACK" SPACE
"Slack" or extra space for an overflow of activities and
for storage should be designed into a congregate dwelling.
The abundance of room in the interstices between spaces allows
for flexibility and expansion of various activities.
Inhab-
itants may use such "slack" space for extra storage area (for
coats or bicycles), for bookshelves, for displaying collections,
for a place for the telephone, or for any type of overflow
that adjacent spaces may require.
Slack space may be "built-in" (as in
housing) by providing an initial
Corbusier's Pessac
abundance of space or it
may be evolved through changing space use or room redefinition
with time (i.e. an extra room after the children leave home).
The designer may not count on a convenient "evolution" of
extra space, so an initial consideration of generous slack
space is wise.
Space is a relatively cheap commodity when
compared with the cost of extra servicing, for example (see
section on "Investments").
95
CENTRALIZE PRIMARY CIRCULATION
O
i*
i'5
The design of a shared dwelling must be efficient in
order for inhabitants to perceive the economic and social
benefits of sharing with others.
The design needs to mini-
mize the amount of floor area devoted solely to circulation.
10+_
t
Long public corridors should be avoided and space should instead be allocated to private use territories.
PUBLIC TERRITORIES DEFINED BY PRIVACIES
I
' ~ ~ ~7
-
II
Let private territories such as bathrooms and sleeping
territories, which need to be walled-off and closeable, define
public areas and circulation paths.
The "rocks in the sand"
analogy illustrates the power of cell-like, unchanging spaces
to shape the uses of the zones around them.
94
MINIMIZE "BUILT-IN" ELEMENTS
Built-in elements, such as lighting fixtures, closets, or
furniture attached to walls, predetermine the function of
rooms.
By eliminating such elements, inhabitants are encour-
aged to manipulate furniture or reinterpret the function of
rooms to gain more flexibility and a greater sense of control
over their environments.
The guideline does not intend that neutral or un-designed
spaces should be encouraged.
It merely suggests that as few
restrictions on room function as possible be determined by
the original design of the building.
The designer's task is
to properly dimension spaces to accomodate more than one
function and to concentrate his or her efforts on the correct
positions and relationships of spaces.
95
PROVIDE TWO MEANS OF EGRESS
Fire codes for multiple-family dwellings necessitate two
stair systems which reach the ground and which can be easily
accessed from each possible sub-unit in the building.
An in-
habitant must not be required to pass through another's interior area to gain access to either of the means of egress.
Since in an adaptable building portions of the public
circulation can be occasionally claimed as part of a private
area, disincentives for such spatial "borrowing" should be
evident for the portions of public circulation that connect
to means of egress.
KEEP PRIMARY VERTICAL CIRCULATION FROM EDGE
The main stair system should be located in the middle
of the building where it does not block light nor hinder
possibilities for expansion of territories.
The dimension
between the vertical circulation core and the exterior
edge of the building should be at least the width of a large
activity setting (or about 12 feet).
96
PROVIDE POSSIBILITIES FOR GROWTH
All fairly large spaces should have at least two ways
in which to expand.
Spaces can expand into "slack" space,
circulation zones, other spaces, or into exterior space.
In order to allow interior spaces to expand into one another,
spaces should be large enough to be subdivided into two
separate rooms.
PROVIDE UTILITY STACKS
In order to minimize intractable, interior "wet walls",
cores of about 9 square feet should be provided to carry
utilities (i.e. plumbing, heating ducts, electrical wiring,
telephone wiring, and vents) vertically to all major floor
levels of the building.
Means for horizontal distribution
of services in several directions at each floor level should
also be provided to increase the range of possible locations
of bathrooms and kitchens.
Electric wires and telephone
wires can extend quite a distance from these stacks but must
never be concealed inside walls or interior partitions.
This
would encumber relocation of walls and hinder easy repair.
97
From the generally outlined ideas of the guidelines, some
design standards or suggestions for deploying built elements
in space were developed.
While the standards are intended to
be more specific than the guidelines, it should be remembered
that they are only suggested ways to achieve adaptation possibilities and enrich the quality of shared environments.
The standards address issues of ways of arranging and
dimensioning common building elements in order to achieve a
greater range of optional uses for spaces.
Dimensions are
therefore proposed that will be tested and/or adjusted in
a design example.
VARIETY OF SPACES
A variety of sizes and qualities of spaces should be
provided in a shared environment in order to offer the inhabitants a choice of settings for different activities.
Size
Sprimary spaces - spaces capable of containing equipment and processes of people engaged in lounging,
cooking, eating, sleeping (a large bedroom)
minimum dimension = 12'
maximum dimension = 20'
-
secondary spaces - smaller spaces for uses found in
small kitchens, breakfast areas, small bedrooms
minimum dimension =
9'
maximum dimension = 12'
.
tertiary spaces - spaces large enough to be walked
into (i.e. pantries and bathrooms, but not closets)at least 20 square feet
minimum dimension =
9'
maximum dimension = 12'
Qualities
- light and dark
- high ceilings and low ceilings
a enclosed and open
SUBDIVIDABLE CIRCULATION
In a shared living environment, circulation space must be
carefully dimensioned to allow multiple paths to be indepen-
.U>7
dently defined if the building is to allow for the possibility
of subdividing into separate, autonomous sub-units.
e A circulation path should be a minimum of 6 feet wide,if
it is defined "permanently" on either side for a run of
4 linear feet or more.
This allows for subdivision into
two 3 foot side corridors or for the option of using the
6 foot wide space as a tertiary space (i.e. a bathroom or
slack space).
e
When a stair comes down adjacent to (not perpendicular to)
a circulation zone, 9 feet minimum should be left for
subdivision of the adjacent corridor or for a tertiary
space next to the stair.
e Leaving 9 feet for the width of a vertical circulation
'I
J
zone allows the possibility of a wide landing and the
,5kMicY
opportunity for a light well.
-
oo0
-.----------
9'
ADEQUATE AMOUNT OF FREE-WALL
'4-
-
In all primary and secondary spaces, some amount of the
enclosing walls should remain free of interruptions such as
windows, jogs, or doorways in order to give a place for the
placement of furniture.
e
living spaces - one wall should be at least 14 feet long
to accomodate a sofa plus two end tables and a corner
easy chair
dnin
. dining spaces - the wall nearest the kitchen should be
about 8 feet long to provide space for a table, chairs,
J
and access for serving
a sleeping spaces - for a single bed, a minimum of 9 feet;
for a bed and night table or for a double bed, a minimum
of 12 feet for
a bed and two night tables.
101
UPPER LEVEL COURTYARDS
Courtyards or open areas for exterior circulation at
upper levels could allow access to autonomous upper level
sub-units, provide a second means of egress, and make use of
flat-roofed areas.
Skylights could be provided in such court-
yards which could provide interior spaces with light permitting
a greater building depth with less exterior edge (a signigicant
savings in building and heating costs).
VARIABLE LINKS TO CIRCULATION
Wide openings and possibilities for variable (i.e. "operable") links should be possible between spaces and "public"
circulation zones.
The center area of the building should
thus be kept free of most "permanent" definition allowing inhabitants to actively modify the relationships of public
and private use spaces to the common zones of the dwelling.
STAIRS TERMINATE IN CIRCULATION
Stairs should end in a cross-circulation zone on the
upper level in order to minimize circulation space (no doubling
back around stairwell).
This arrangement would also allow the
stair to be "shut-off" from surrounding spaces for use as a
1Q2Z
'public" stair or as a fire stair (a second means of egress).
SPACE FOR ENTRY
The entry to a shared dwelling must have a generous amount
of space and an identity from the exterior, since a greater
number of people than in a single family will be using it.
* A 9-foot zone should be left unobstructed for the entry
ii
3
F
II
_
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'-
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both on the interior and on the exterior of the building.
'S
* The door should be located in the middle of the
.5'.
9-foot
zone with at least one window on the side of the door
for surveillance.
e
1'
Only one door should be evident on the building's exerior even if the building is subdivided inside.
TALL GROUND-FLOOR SPACES
Some spaces at grade should have high ceilings in order
to allow adjacent expansion at the building's exterior and
still maintain light (but not view) into the center room.
A height of 12 feet would allow the expanded area adequate
headroom (without necessitating a level change) and still
permit space for a clerestory to let light into the original
room.
10>
DISTANCE BETWEEN EDGE AND ADDITIONAL BUILDINGS
W
Small independent structures such as garages and work-
I
shops
may be added around the building's perimeter but care
must be taken as to restricting their heights and placement
to insure that existing living areas inside the building
still receive adequate light and ventilation.
* Leave a 20-foot minimum optionally built zone at the
c-o,
edges of the building
* A 12-foot zone closest to the building's edge must
remain unbuilt in order to get winter sunlight over
a 10-foot high, free-standing, enclosed structure.
SECONDARY CIRCULATION POSSIBILITIES
In shared dwellings inhabitants may wish to have the
possibility of re-allocating space to different individuals.
A second circulation zone parallel to but screened from the
main circulation of the building could allow more than one
space to be used as a single individual's territory.
This
secondary circulation option could also provide private
access to bathrooms, shielded from the public view.
* Provide the possibility for openings between adjacent
spaces near to the circulation zone of the building.
10+
LARGE LANDINGS
Stair landings should be a minimum of 6 feet in width
when there are other spaces at the level of the landing.
This
would allow the landing to be divided to offer the opportunity
of making the stair a "public" access and of creating autonomous sub-units.
Also, by dividing the stair landing, terri-
/
(~~i
tories on either side of the stairwell could be joined into
a single sub-unit connected by a 3-foot zone of circulation.
EXTERIOR STAIRS
If stairs are located on the building's exterior, they
L=
should be perpendicular to the building edge to minimize
loss of frontage which supplies light and expansion possibil-
4~~
ities.
* The first flight of stairs should rise to a minimum of 7
feet above grade so that the space underneath can be used.
e An exterior stair should provide access to more than
one territory above.
* Exterior stairs should be designed to be able to be en-
r
-.. ~ .. '
closed at a later date.
This implies that a starting
position close to the building edge may be preferred.
7'
105
Operable equipment and building components are listed as
devices which may be used as "hints" or easy answers to rearrangement or re-interpretation of space within a shared
dwelling.
These devices are presented as a kind of "kit-of-
parts" which may be combined, modified, or ignored by the
designer.
The elements or devices listed here may not be included
as part of the average residential building but they are not
outside of the realm of standard building techniques and
are all easily found or made from items on the current homeimprovements or building construction markets.
Again, these devices are only put forward in order to try
then. and evaluate their effectiveness in a design example.
Their merits and potentials for adaptability are briefly
mentioned as accompaniment to the illustrations.
10to
POCKET DOORS
- alterable on a day-to-day
basis
- easy to operate
- can offer incremental
d5
degrees of closure
- not a terrific acoustic
separator
- requires a lintel to
slide along
INTERIOR WINDOWS
~*
I
/
- offers a new sense of
spatial relationships
- can "borrow" light from
other spaces
- curtains or shades can
offer visual privacy
(and in incremental de-
/ (~
grees)
- operable windows can
allow for total acoustic
connection
107
FOLDING WALLS
" easily moved
- incrementally used for
partial containment
" some wall panels may
contain doors
" not a lot of acoustic
separation because there
127011~
I;
Li
--
would be no seal at the
bottom
" requires overhead lintel
____________
with tracks for sliding
panels
o can be stored in small
niches in walls when
not in use
- can be hinged to form
right angles for further
space definition
100
I
_M
FREE-STANDING STORAGE UNITS
e
easily moved (like large
wardrobes)
" can be used to define
space or provide subdefinitions within a
space
" can take the place of
built-in closets which
rigidly define room
functions
" not attached to finished
flooring
" are available in a variety of sizes and capacities and are all sized
to fit through doorways
and under lintels
109
EXTERIOR SILLS
* extensions of foundations
that can be built upon
to produce additions to
interior space
* use as low garden or
patio walls until built
upon
* height of sill should
correspond with window
sill height of first
floor windows
ii
e distance from exterior
edge of the building
dependent upon the spanning capabilities of the
iF1
I el
~building's
construction
system
e location dependent upon
interior opportunities
for circulation to the
building's edge
110
ATTIC "PU LL-DOWN"
STAIRS
e can be used as an optional
vertical connection within a sub-unit (not as
public circulation or a
means of fire egress)
* requires special framing
of particular portions
of the floor to accomodate collapseable stairs
e easy to use
* can be made more perma-
\
//~~/
~,
nent
e
can be used to close off
portions of space for
heating efficiency (at
night, for instance)
111
STORAGE STAIRS
o can be used as a moveable
storage unit
e can be used to provide
an optional, re-locateable connection between
small changes in level
(4 feet or less)
e can be used as open
shelving
FIRE ESCAPES
* can provide small individual outside territories
e provides a second means
of egress in case of fire
* doesn't block much light
(because of its lightweight construction)
e
can have the option of
becoming enclosed
a can become a common upper
level promenade for en-
M.2
trances to sub-units
OVERHEAD LINTELS
" indications of where
permanent separations
may be made
" provide tracks for
folding walls and sliding
pocket doors (as in traditional Japanese homes)
" can be located in line
with structural columns
to indicate possible
closure positions
" the underside can be
surfaced with wood to
provide a nailing surface to facilitate the
installing of partitions
11)
111
T/Y
D~e-3
I1ff
TE
NOTE:
While the author realizes
that design is basically a
Most designers do much,
if
not all, of this process in
their heads using only scrib-
gattern
of creative
bles and sketches to crystal-
creative process relying on
The basic
much subconscious mental acti-
thinking seems to be composed
ize their intermediate
vity, an attempt to objectify
of formulation (i.e. data
thoughts.
this process has been made in
gathering, discovering re-
order to clarify the nature
lationships, developing al-
creative thoughtprocess can
of the inputs to this design
ternative solutions), evalu-
be useful as a way to pic-
ation of different formula-
ture for the reader the way
illustrate the process of
tions based on design criteria
in which ideas and observa-
evaluation and synthesis that
(i.e. determining the positive
tions found in the previous
normally takes place in the
and negative aspects of each
chapters have been used as
mind of the designer. Al-
scheme formulated), consolida-
inputs to formulation or as
though the reader might find
the following process des-
tion of some of the good
design criteria in evalua-
points of each scheme into one
tion.
cription to be linear and
therefore simplistic, the in-
worthwhile preliminary design,
elaborating this theory of
and elaboration of aspects of
design process, the reader
tent of the author is to try
to preserve clarity. It is
the preliminary design re-
will be more aware of and less
sulting in the final design.
confused about the origins
certainly recognized that
design is a complex mental
The process is seldom straight
of the preliminary design
forward and reiteration of
which will then be tested by
integration, fragmented and
many steps is often necessary.
a variety of inhabitations.
problem
116
more spir aling in nature than
linear.
and to in some way
Still, this model of the
It is hoped that by
'f11A~L Db5GH
41
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p
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117
The elaboration phase will not
be attempted in this thesis.
NOTE:
The design developed in
this thesis is included only
as an example or illustration
of the guidelines, patterns
and theories developed previously.
It
is not intended
to be a "perfect solution"
for the problems of communal
living nor the "ideal building" for the proposed site.
As such, it
is
left as a
preliminary or schematic solu-
tion developed only so far as
necessary for the inhabita-
tions in order to facilitate
evaluation and conclusions
about the appropriateness of
the guidelines and theories.
11
119
ormaZ/I o*
possibilities and
The formulation of alternatives is
choices available
perhaps the most
for implementation
difficult step in the design
process.
It requires not only
gathering information and ob-
ies and speak of Need, Context
servations but also assigning
and Form which correspond ac-
priorities to various factors
cordingly to program, site and
and uniting them all into semi-
building.
These three broad cate-
realistic design solutions.
gories contain most of the im-
There are many factors
or variables to consider.
is
It
sometimes useful to think
portant influencing factors
that should be considered when
of them in terms of three cat-
formulating alternative de-
egories:
sign solutions.
1)
2)
form one another and should
desired character-
all be considered in a good
istics for the
alternative scheme.
Context variables:
factors not controlled by the
designer
3)
They all in-
Performance variables:
overall design
I to
We can simplify these categor-
Design variables:
9Veed
space requirements
relationships of spaces (adjacencies)
priorities/objectives
access
equipment necessary
quality of environment (liveability),
site character
services
microclimate
adjacent buildings
vehicular access
organization (zoning of activities)
circulation
structure
enclosure (unity/diversity)
construction system
energy (climate control)
image (appearance)
1Z1
In order to formulate al-
lation requirements that are
ternatives, space and quality
inherent in the nature and
standards for both private
use of certain territories.
and communal living areas
These are presented in rough
must be made explicit.
bubble diagram form.
Using
the information gathered from
Another way to investi-
the interviews plus some of
gate necessary qualities and
the author's own notions of
relationships of spaces is
appropriate quality or "live-
to draw up a matrix of priori-
ability" of residential envi-
ties and objectives, listing
ronments, descriptions of
various spatial "qualities"
essential features and square
and correlating each with
footage requirements are de-
specific territories.
veloped.
These will serve as
is to get a detailed "program"
a basis for a rudimentary pro-
or list of objectives inherent
gram.
to the spaces (not specific to
The relationships of var-
ious types of spaces are then
explored.
Of course, many
kinds of spatial organizations
are possible (see section on
Form), but there are some fundamental adjacencies and iso-
IZZ2
the particular users).
The aim
5y
ceX
c
Both private areas and
shared zones of a congregate
cess to individual bathrooms
that there are many smaller,
and tiny kitchens.
less quantifiable territories
Communal spaces require
living environment have re-
that are crucial to a good
quirements unique to shared
special attention and study
congregate dwelling and that
living as differentiated from
too.
they will be addressed and
similar areas in family living
territories are perceived as
tested in the final design
environments.
comfortable spaces within a
scheme.
The very na-
Living or lounging
ture of congragate living sets
certain range of sizes.
up particular problems with
users does not necessarily
public/private interface zones,
mean simply increasing the
kitchens, storage, interior
size of such spaces.
space, and many other aspects
of how kitchens could be
of daily life.
better designed for a number
Private spaces within a
More
A study
of simultaneous cooks is an-
congregate dwelling require
other task of the designer
more physical territory than
who anticipates communal liv-
bedrooms in a single-family
ing.
ve
The /wae atteft,
.
A number of special
house sinse they can serve
as retreats used for a variety
space requirements are speci-
of activities besides sleeping.
fied and quantified under the
They may also be used as small
two broad headings of "pri-
apartments when equipped with
vate
either facilities for or ac-
spaces".
spaces" and "common
jan 3WIepCer
It is recognized
113
Private Living Space
An individual in a congregate living situation needs more
private territory than just a bedroom.
In a family living
situation, a small room for sleeping may be all that is necessary for a sense of autonomy and a place for retreat from
others, since the family dwelling itself is considered a privacy from the larger community.
Special privacy requirements
can be foreseen for individuals sharing dwellings with nonfamily related people.
The living group is seen as a smaller
community within society at large.
Extra private space is
needed to foster a sense of "home" or "place" within the shared
dwelling.
e Activities that should be possible within the private
living space include:
studying
entertaining (individuals or small groups)
discussing/conversing
eating/snacking
sleeping
telephoning
loving
reading for pleasure
writing letters
pursuing hobbies
11f
meditating
81 it
listening to music
1"e
3q,1
exercising
e Dimensions of free-wall (wall unobstructed by doors, jogs,
or perpendicular walls) should be determined by the placement of typical furnishings.
The range should be between
8 and 11 feet and this length of unobstructed wall should
to
occur at least twice in one private living area to allow
an option for furniture location.
. Area
of the private living space should vary from about
300 square feet to around 450 square feet.
Actual
floor area may be less if the volume allows for lofts
and volumetric interpretations of the space.
- Variety of qualitative aspects of various small activity
settings is essential since the private living space can
be seen as an independent domain in which choices should
be maximized.
A range of qualities such as:
dark/light
interior/exterior
enclosed/exposed
focused/spacious should be sought.
li's
r js-
597
318
* A private living space requires through-ventilation without necessitating opening doors to public areas of the
house.
Summer breezes should be allowed to flow through
the space without sacrificing acoustic or visual
privacy.
Every private living space therefore must have
a minimum of two light edges (equipped with operable windows).
* Private living spaces require a lot of storage space
because each individual is really a single-person household with many possessions.
Bulky and infrequently used
items may be stored in some common storage area (i.e.
basement or attic) but an individual's space must provide
room for:
Item
1Zb
Storage Need
sports equipment
lots of space
collections/hobbies
display
musical instruments
special place
books
display
clothing
music systems/records
enclosed (drawers &
hangers)
display
cosmetics/toiletries
enclosed
-
Direct view from public areas or corridors should be
screened or blocked from interior realms of private
A sense of personal domain and autonomy from the group cannot be perceived if the door
to a private space is too well surveyed from a communal
living spaces.
area.
4--.
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proccXon1 f roM
PubiiC VIwCA
(~
throt P
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-
etkio
1Z7
Exterior Private Space
The possibility for each private living space to have
contact with an associated exterior space for the personal,
private use of an individual is an important feature of a
sensitively designed, shared house.
The motives for communal
living often stem from the compromise of economic constraints
and a desire for a "private" home as opposed to an apartment.
One of the important aspects of home ownership is the claiming of surrounding exterior space.
A natural way to pro-
vide the "congregate dweller" with the same sense of
buffering and claiming is to provide each private living area
with an exterior private space - either as a small patio on
grade or as a deck or balcony above.
Activities that should be possible in such exterior
spaces include:
eating
reading the paper
feeding birds
gardening (limited)
sunning
working on messy hobbies (furniture refinishing,
paper mache,
1ze
etc.)
* The exterior private space should be an extention of
the interior private living area and should therefore
be on the same level as the interior floor.
This pro-
vides convenient furniture and equipment relocation from
interior to exterior, thus promoting use of exterior space
potential for
scre-ln
scond meone
Of egr
II
partial Overhcad
de nition
it
8'
129
* Dimensions of exterior private space may be small since
larger exterior common spaces will also be available
to the individual.
A minimum space of 12 by 8 feet
(or 96 square feet) is recommended.
These dimensions
should be at least partially defined by exterior walls
of the building on at least 2 sides.
Although the
proximity to the building edge need not be along the
entire length, the requirement of 2 sided definition
should help to promote a sense of extention of interior space and avoid the "tacked-on balcony" type of
exterior space.
* Part of the exterior private space should be covered
(extending rooflines, overhanging upper floors, etc.)
or at least partially covered (trellises, etc.) to
provide for a range of sub-settings with variations of
enclosure, shading, and weather protection.
130
Individual Kitchen
A tiny, personal food preparation area should be an option within a private living space.
In shared living situ-
ations, often meals with many participants need to be
supplemented with occasional individual meals to promote a
sense of autonomy and because sometimes scheduling or chore
allocation does not account for all the possibilities of
guests, midnight snacks, special diets, or whatever.
While
it may be agreed that pooling of funds and effort may make
group meals a wise policy in general, the individual should
have the opportunity to make participation in group meals
optional yet still eat at home.
* Uses for an individual kitchen include:
storage of individual favorite foods
midnight snacks
entertaining visitors
quick breakfasts
in case of illness
coffee or between-meal eating
131
* Equipment of the individual kitchen should not be "builtin" and limited to:
an under-counter (small) refrigerator
a micro-wave oven or toaster-oven
IkE
a small sink
*
~
~W
4
4
~t
~*
lie
4
a hotplate
a fan (for ventilation and odor control)
e
Dimensions of an individual kitchen should be based on
equipment sizes and adequate counter space.
jo
A minimum
size of around 6 by 11 feet (or 66 square feet ) is
itoraAe
recommended.
* Individual kitchens require some storage space for:
Item
Storage Need
garbage
under-counter (enclosed)
dishes/glassware
over-head or display
utensils
drawer
dry foods/condiments
exposed or enclosed
. Adequate light must be available although direct daylight
is not absolutely necessary due to the temporary, infrequent nature of uses of the individual kitchen.
Cie
.
The individual kitchen should have the optional possibility for closing itself off from view when not in use.
Partial visual screening of dirty dishes in the sink
should also be possible.
The provision of an overhead
lintel which could accomodate a curtain or folding partition might be a solution.
*
The location of the individual kitchen should be close
to the entry zone of the private living space in order
to be able to accomodate grocery delivery and also to
allow more than one (though not more than 2) private
living spaces to share the individual kitchen.
Individual Bathroom
The individuals in a congregate house may experience more
frustration and aggravation over sharing bathroom facilities
than over any other communal facility.
Even in a family, the
prospect of waiting to use the bathroom prompts many homebuyers to rate the value of houses in terms of the number of
bathrooms to bedrooms.
The option for a "private" bathroom
(or at least a half-bath) should be allowed, because the need
will certainly arise in a household of independent adults with
varying schedules and personal grooming habits.
The bath-
room, the most private of domestic spaces, is also seen as a
15
place of retreat and ultimate "aloneness". This aspect of
an individual bathroom is significant for a person in a communal living situation.
- Uses for individual bathrooms can be varied and include:
shored b
a photographic darkroom
17flVti eb
in case of illness
water source (watering plants, cleaning up spills,
etc.)
personal care and grooming
e
Dimensions for an individual bath may be small and are
somewhat dictated by standard equipment sizes and circulation room.
A rule-of-thumb minimum size is about 5 by
7 feet (or 35 square feet).
-
Storage for an individual bathroom can be open shelves
for towels and toiletries with some kind of closeable
storage space for medicines.
* The individual bathroom should be located in such a way as
to be out of direct view from circulation (both inside
154
-
An individual bathroom should have a window to the exterior for natural light and ventilation.
*
0IT
windouo
of and outside of the private living space).
*
Equipment for the individual bathroom should only include
a sink, a mirror and a toilet.
The toilet must be lo-
cated within 4 feet of a utility stack and requires
direct venting to the exterior.
The sink may be located
up to 10 feet away from a utility stack, however.
e
The individual bathroom may be shared by more than one
private living space (but not by more than 4 persons
total).
Location of individual bathrooms should be
allowed where possibilities for dual circulation/access
exists.
*
An individual bathroom can be used as an acoustical
buffer zone between two private living areas since it
is likely to be not in use for a good portion of the
time.
Shared Kitchen
The kitchen of a shared house is often the place around
which communal life centers.
It should have enough space
for many people to cook, eat informally, and have conversations.
Because a kitchen requires services and much equip-
ment, location and size must be adequate for promoting efficient meal preparation.
Extras such as a separate freezer, more
counter-top preparation surface, and a pantry are all called
for in a shared kitchen.
The shared kitchen can also be seen
as another "living space" within a shared dwelling.
* Activities that should be possible in a shared kitchen
include:
preparing group meals
baking
eating snacks
playing cards
cleaning vegetables
conversing
preparing for parties
talking
* Dimensions should be generous and based upon standard
equipment sizes (at least one wall should be a minimum
136
of 11 feet long).
* To encourage efficiency in meal preparation, the kitchen
should be arranged in a U-shape plan because the sequence
of traffic is most often in a triangular pattern between
refrigerator, sink, and stove.
* Equipment required in a shared kitchen should include:
a refrigerator
a double sink with a garbage disposal
a stove top
2 ovens
ex.trd
a dishwasher (close to sink)
a separate freezer
a cutting surface
* Storage needs of a shared kitchen are greater than
those of a family kitchen due to the greater volume
of foodstuffs.
Item
L
Storage Need
11
dry foods
pantry, over-counter
dishes/glassware
over-counter, open shelving
garbage
under-counter
brooms/cleaning supplies
separate closet,
perishable foods
refrigerator, freezer
pantry
137
* A shared kitchen should be able to be closed off from
other living spaces to mask noise and odors and the
sight of dirty dishes in the sink.
The possibility for
visual screening is most important.
Shutters or cur-
tains could be used to separate the kitchen from the
dining area for example.
Prefer-
e Natural light is essential in a large kitchen.
ably two windows should be provided, one in each of two
different walls to promote ventilation.
A window above
the kitchensink for aview while doing dishes is
nice.
* A shared kitchen should be located in close proximity to
other areas such as:
Area
Activity
dining area
formal dinners, parties
outdoor patio or deck
outside eating, parties
informal eating area
breakfasts, snacks, coffee
access from exterior
deliveries, removing trash,
feeding pets
garden
collecting vegetables
Group Living Space
"Living" or lounging spaces in a shared house need to be
comfortable and properly located in order to be used, since
residents may also have a small individual living space in
which to carry on activities normally associated with a family
room or den in a single family house.
An increase in the
amount of users does not mean a proportionate increase in the
size of living space but may suggest an increase in the number of spaces devoted to "living room"-type activities.
If
the number of such spaces is increased a variety of qualities
of spaces could be provided, giving inhabitants a choice of
settings for various activities.
ed3 tcrculation
e
-
Activities that may take place in group living space in8
clude:
V.
9'-
watching television
conversation9, oi6neft
entertaining guests
78
conversations
.30'
holiday celebrations
GCrI5
group meetings
for (0
1*~
* Dimensions of group living spaces are influenced by furniture layout and on normal conversation distances
(from 9' to 10').
1.39
* Spaces should not be large simply because the number of
individuals in the household is larger than in an
average nuclear family.
Group living spaces should accom-
odate around six people with additional seating provided
by cushions on the floor.
The average area of such a
living space should be approximately 200 square feet.
Furniture arrangement is, of course, optional but circulation should be along the edge and not directly through
this space.
* A variety of qualities of group living spaces should be
provided.
Some rooms could be:
dark with a fireplace
light and sunny for summertime use
small and intimate for T.V.
and games
large and public for parties or more active games
1f0
Group Eating Spaces
A variety of spaces devoted to eating should be provided
in order to provide a choice of dining environments.
A large
group of individuals should have at least one indoor eating
space where they may all sit down to a meal together.
Meals
are often a time to share with one another the events of the
day and to conduct household business.
Since dining space
may not be in use a majority of the time (especially if the
inhabitants have their own individual kitchens in their private
living spaces), the space must be able to be rearranged or
reinterpreted for other functions such as working, cooking,
making crafts, or lounging.
* A dining room or a space for eating should be sized to
accomodate all members or potential members of the household comfortably around one table.
Twelve people seems
to be the maximum possible number of people.
Guests
riat'val lnhfiln
drop-leaf table
would have to squeeze in if all 12 household members
were present.
Perhaps a foldable table or a table with
leaves could be employed to gain expansion of actual
W chen
. 2-
eating surface.
cortun e r
* A formal dining room should have good lighting but no
centrally located light fixture which would limit its rroat
use to eating only.
LV 5V'("
5
141
* Dimensions for group eating space should be controlled by
the size of the table and the normal dimensions required
for access to chairs.
These dimensions vary, of course,
according to the amount of seating required by the group.
* An exterior patio or deck near to the kitchen may be
used as a group eating space.
Although one big table
may not be necessary, enough dimension for outdoor parties and summer bar-be-que's should be provided.
This
option for outdoor eating is more necessary in shared
living situation since large groups of people can then
be entertained outside, weather permitting.
should be provided near to or
* A breakfast or snack area
as part of a shared kitchen.
This area needs only to
seat six people since it is
intended to be used infor-
mally and never by all members of the household at one
time.
This space could also be a small group living
space provided a table is
1+Z
supplied.
Common Entry
The entrance to a shared house must be spacious since the
amount of people using it is large.
It must be clearly dis-
tinguishable from the outside since there will also be a large
number of guests and friends coming to a shared house.
In
the case of a common entry, bigger space and a bigger gesture
is required because the household size is bigger than a single family household.
* The entry must be recognizable on the building's exterior
and a clear, well-lighted path must be evident.
* Activities that should be accanodated by a common entry
space include:
receiving guests
putting coats on and off
receiving deliveries by service people (i.e. mailmen,
meter readers, paperboys, etc.)
-ceacrior
oiercd
'Tace-
e Many separate mailboxes for individual household members
should be provided (to insure privacy) as well as one
common household mailbox.
Some indication of where the
individual's territory is located within the building
should be made on each mailbox as an aid to guests and
friends.
143
* A clear understanding of the principles of circulation
and public/private organization of spaces should be
possible upon entry.
* A common entry requires permanently located facilities
for:
coats
boots
umbrellas
sports equipment
etc.
14+
Shared Bathroom
In a shared dwelling, many so-called "private" activities
may become shared.
Certain facilities such as hot tubs can
be common to the household in general whereas individual
possession might be prohibitively expensive or spatially inefficient.
* Activities that may take place in a shared bathroom
MI-lengh minrr
include:
u
bathing
showering
relaxing in a hot tub
exercising
bathing children
personal care and grooming
medical care (removing splinters, bandaging, etc.)
* Dimensions of a shared bathroom are dependent on the
dimensions of various pieces of equipment plus circula-
Z
tion space and some extra space for exercising and
lounging.
An area of approximately 375 square feet is
a minimum area.
1+5
.
A shared bathroom should be subdivideable with separate
compartments for various pieces of equipment or groups
of equipment.
This would allow more than one person
at a time to use the facilities.
e Equipment in a shared bathroom may include:
shower stalls
a bathtub
sinks
a full-length mirror
a W.C.
a scale
a hot tub
* Shared bathrooms need storage only for cleansers and
first aid equipment as individuals must bring towels and
personal care items with them from their private spaces.
* An indicator of the current use of the shared bathroom
would be helpful in discouraging interruptions and privacy violations.
A schedule of bathing habits would
also be helpful outside a shared bathroom.
* Shared bathrooms should be located close to privacies
so that individuals may have access to facilities
14&
without going through public spaces or central circulation
zones.
*
At least one window to the outside must be provided in a
shared bathroom for adequate ventilation and light.
*
Shared bathrooms must be protected from direct public
view.
Space for facilities requiring most privacy (i.e.
showers, W.C., etc.) should be screened from the doorway
of the bathroom.
Exercise areas and sinks can be viewed
from the doorway of the bathroom if necessary.
147
"oz
shcredJ
1+8
H
C
0
0
(D
LI)
U)
rt
(D
(D
decks
private
territories
private
bathrooms
shared
bathrooms
group
lounges
group
eating spaces
common
kitchen
circulation
entry
enclosure
An examination of the
particular aspects of the
context for this design example is useful in order
to set the boundaries for.
the design problem.
Con-
text places constraints on
the number of reasonable design options.
It helps focus
attention to the really
viable alternatives and keeps
the designer "on course.
A description of the
location and character of
the site chosen for the design is presented.
Rationale
for site selection is also
discussed.
Next a series of drawings
analyzes features particular
to the site which may influence siting decisions.
50
features of topography,
The
climate, landscape elements,
access, and adjacencies and
views are presented.
Decisions about siting
and the reasoning behind them
are explained.
A potential
development zone is outlined
and presented in the form of
a conceptual map.
151
A non-urban parcel of
land in Plymouth, Mass. was
PD~r5ODY
__
selected for the testing of
the patterns and guidelines.
It is located about forty
________
_
1S
5T
O
;_
o
____
_
_
_
_
_
_
2t
IJJ
j_
_
miles south of Boston, just
a few blocks inland from
J__
Cape Cod Bay.
It
is some-
what suburban in character,
A~ti~f~
~
__4
being on the outskirts of the
small community of Manomet,
Mass.
This type of site was
preferred because the issues
of density, climate, and
neighborhood context are mini-
PLYMO JTHt
mized.
By playing down some
of these variables, the central issues of communal living and adaptable structures
can be explored to a greater
extent.
7
15Z
1
However, a virtually
non-contextual rural site was
not deemed appropriate since
the types of shared living
groups presented require the
K
\~
_
~.i..
-
_
__
stimulation and interaction
of a wider community.
Also,
the issue of individual personal realms which can be
identified on the exterior
of the building is
-
~
-___
signifi-
cant and should be explored
in some type of built context.
~.TT
___
--
--
SiTE
K
r
barn
154
-
-
- -
'4
I
*
-~
- -
-Tr
/
51TE PLAN
9/-
.-
w 8
0I w~
to P4L
M
Sitz
ow
The following illustrations focus on general site
characteristics rather than
on specific details.
They
illustrate distinct features
in an effort to ensure clarity
and to aid in identifying
siting difficulties and/or
positive attributes.
The site contains many
positive features.
There is
plenty of vehicular access,
a variety in the landscape
itself (i.e. a gully, a
meadow, pine trees, etc.),
and a contrast in the scale of
the surrounding cottages
(now winterized) and the collective scale of the large
barn which dominates the
site.
There is plenty of
of solar access as well as
15k'
adequate summer shading due
the large deciduous trees on
the site.
?oyrbl:
1tone.,
,
retaiin 1') 'f C
m ecado cU
157
clt nate
ujintcr winci,5
rom
NVJ
5L)mrner- 6 re es
f r-orn ew
1.58
ZA'nwe4cape
&1 (UJ~
,5toc*1
V-AI
f~ICV~)
(arc~e-
c4e&i
15F
Accew
bo
PlgryOoth
c~nd Botton
LE
160
7
0
nomet
OA
1111 ~IFZ
0::
6~go
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00,
es
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.
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I
161
Any solution to a design
the single-family
fire damage, can also influ-
problem is basically an agree-
house type (as exemplified
ence the form of the building.
ment between need, context,
in the Victorian era dwel-
The relevant codes are men-
and form.
ling)
tioned and consequences of
All of these com-
ponents must remain flexible
-
was selected.
Within the single-family
their implementation in
until "fit" is achieved.
house type many spatial
terms of maximum height and
Sometimes designers expect
organizations
maximum square footage are
program and site considera-
and in section) are possible.
tions alone to dictate the
A limited number of these
solution but form is equally
organizations are then dia-
important since there are a
grammed and described.
number of viable forms that
(both in plan
Building materials and
meet the needs of program
a structural system are
and site.
specified and argued for.
The first factor influ-
The construction method has
encing form is housing type.
a lot of influence on the
A variety of types and arch-
form of the building as well
itectural images associated
as influencing the degree of
with them are discussed.
tractability possible to
With consideration of Ameri-
the inhabitants.
can lifestyle preference and
16Z
ing type -
Code restrictions, es-
neighborhood image (specific
pecially those concerned with
to site), a particular hous-
control and prevention of
described.
t7lj4ffaiu
I9)ove
A variety of housing
types have been considered
as a starting point in the
design.
The single-family house
connotes a high sense of home
I
identity and there is a cultural preference for it in
the U.S.
However,
the low
density and associated high
land cost make it inappropriate for many of today's
- .. ~
potential home builders.
Most non-family related groups
that live together do so in
a dwelling that was once a
single-family house.
This is
probably due to the availability of this type of dwelling in today's housing market
and also due to a strong culturally derived sense of
home and "belonging" associ-
1'3
ated with a suburban upbringing and/or the aspirations of ownership.
The detached duplex
seems to share many of the
aspects of a single-family
dwelling (i.e. autonomy,
ground association) with a
slight increase in density
and the possibility for complete subdivision.
The detached four and
six-plex forms achieve a
higher density but by their
nature, two or more upper
units are not connected to
exterior ground space.
Sub-
division of these types is
complicated by access causing
a redundancy of stairs and
circulation space.
The townhouse or rowhouse
form is
another way to achieve
density, and yet retain a
connection to the ground.
6bi
The
trade-off is with natural
light.
By forfeiting the side
house and high-rise forms
al traditions of that country.
were thus eliminated.
Groups do not need to be isolated from the cultural norms
walls to achieve a tight
In the
"packing" of units, the end
NOTE:
of dwelling types.
walls become the only source
The author does not mean
to suggest that high density
house types are inappropriate
for group living or are Zess
able to be designed to pro-
United States, domestic archi-
vide adcptable environments.
Certain housing types were
deemed inappropriate for the
and by its isolation, provided
particular context of the
design example, however.
lifestyles, the rural or semi-
of light as well as access.
The subtleties of subdivision
of a group of rowhouses leads
to many of the same access
problems found in the four
and six-plexes.
The highest density
housing type, the multi-family,
high-rise apartment building,
single-family, detached house.
This type developed because
of an abundance of open land
for expansion and for privacy.
Ignoring twentieth century
rural house was an excellent
example of adaptability,
obviously has the most problems with access, subdivision,
tecture is dominated by the
A decision to base the
of
resolution of the changing
design on the American single-
needs over the lifetime of a
family dwelling was made in
family.
types were disregarded for
the light of a sense of
land,
this site due to the obvious
"home" (i.e. a sense of iden-
a house could expand or con-
reasons of inappropriate
tifiable sub-group within the
tract as was necessary (pro-
ground connection and parking.
Some of these housing
scale and density.
The par-
ticular site chosen for the
design does not require a
high density solution.
Row-
wider community).
The form
On a large plot of
insulated by open space,
viding the building system
of collective housing or multi- made such changes possible).
family housing in any country
should be rooted in the cultur-
The domestic architecture
of the Victorian age is admired
by architects for its adaptability.
Victorian homes did
not anticipate long-term
changes,
however.
They simply
had room enough (large dimensioning) to accomodate changes.
Their steeply pitched roofs and
dormers provided excess enclosed space in which to expand
NOTE:
Architectural images of
the author are of course evident in the design portions
of this thesis.
This is not
meant to suggest that only one
housing type or set of archi-
tectural references is appropriate to congregate living.
The reader is asked to make
an effort to distinguish between the personal expressions
of the author and decisions
based upon investigations of
adaptable/flexible housing
1bb
and group living interests.
Org
atA*
NOTE:
number of organization types
By "organization" the
author means to suggest the
to consider.
deployment of spaces and the
implications to public and
NOTE:
private use locations that
various deployment methods
that there are probably many
illustrated both in plan and
(but certainly a limited nwn-
in section and each is briefly
ber of) valid organization
described.
.types for single-family dwell-
ities of each organization in
usually make.
"Organization"
as described by the following
diagrams is not really related
to precise functions of rooms.
There are many abstract
theories of building organization (i.e. radial, spiral,
grid-determined, linear,
etc.) but basically there are
relatively few categories of
organization that can be used
to diagram any building.
Within the assumption of a
single-family house type,
there are then a limited
making courtyard or patio
organization, for example_, unsuitable for inclusion.
The author points out
ings.
The ones presented
Organization types are
Merits and liabil-
terms of its possibilities for
in this thesis represent an
adaptation and/or communal
attempt to recognize the more
living are then listed.
common and culturally (U.S.)
accepted forms of dwelling
organization keeping in mind
the suitability of each for
congregate living.
Factors
particular to the site including New England climate and
available access points were
considered in narrowing down
the list of organizations -
167
Centralized
This type of organization places all common spaces in the
center of the building's plan with privacies and circulation
wrapped around the common spaces on all sides.
The common
spaces may occupy one or many levels and may be rooms or
exterior spaces as in atrium or courtyard houses.
Merits:
* allows all privacies contact with exterior permitting possible expansion
e allows choice among a wide variety of qualities
and orientation of privacies
Liabilities:
* must provide a ring of circulation (excess) in order
to prevent circulation from disrupting common activity areas
e
permits only one-sided expansion of most privacies
* requires careful shielding of privacies from public
view
e little identification of public and private areas
on exterior of building
* special handling of lighting and ventilation is neces-
168
sary for making common spaces "liveable"
Scattered
This organization splits up required space for communal
activities into room-size spaces and distributes them among
the private spaces.
This allows closer proximity to the
communal spaces but neglects to address the fundamental adjacency and isolation requirements of public and private spaces.
Merits:
o flexibility of changing uses (converting a public
space into a privacy)
* can combine circulation with communal space
* allows possibility of breakdown of dwelling into a
series of smaller sub-units (each with its own
common space)
* allows both communal and private spaces access to
exterior space
Liabilities:
* requires careful shielding of privacies from public
view
* guests and outsiders may become confused because
public/private distinctions are blurred
* fundamental use adjacencies of common spaces are
negated
e
lacks a focal point (both exterior and interior) for
spatial hierarchy understanding
169
Peripheral
This type of organization places common spaces on an exterior edge of the building's plan and surrounds them on the
remaining three sides with privacies.
It allows both common
spaces and privacies contact with exterior space and presents
a clear understandable image of public and private zones both
on the building's exterior and within the building.
Merits:
* clear organization for guests and outsiders (distinction between public and private zones)
e
allows both communal spaces and privacies to have
contact with exterior space permitting expansion
e
common areas receive adequate daylight and ventilation
* clear perception of common spaces from building's
exterior
Liabilities:
& requires special handling of public/private interface zone
e communal spaces given ground/edge connection but are
least likely to need to expand
e only one-sided expansion of privacies
a requires careful shielding of privacies from the
public view
170
Spinal
The linear or spine-like organization type arranges all
spaces along a circulation path which at times becomes enlarged to accomodate communal activities. This type of organization provides flexibility but lacks a sense of hierarchy and
distinction between public and private spaces.
Merits:
9 allows all spaces with exterior edge contact permitting expansion
0 allows flexibility in redefinition of room use
(common spaces may become privacies and vice versa)
e allows for breakdown into sub-units (if circulation
is correctly located)
* provides communal spaces with light and ventilation
Liabilities:
* requires careful shielding of privacies from public
view (all circulation is common space)
e organization and hierarchy of spaces is not clear
guests and outsiders not isolated from intimate/
private zones of the house
171
Stratified
This organization type, with communal spaces at grade and
privacies above (the most private spaces being the farthest
removed from the ground) is perhaps the most common (in the
OF
U.S.) and therefore the best understood section organization.
Merits:
* guests and outsiders remain isolated from the more
intimate/private sectors of the house (communal
spaces act as a filter for privacy)
* clear, .understandable, culturally familiar organization
e
communal spaces have easy access to exterior spaces
(patio, garden, garage, etc.)
Li ibilities:
* private spaces deprived of large, ground-related
adjacent outside spaces
* private spaces allowed no substantial expansion
* communal areas have most ground association and
are least likely to need expansion
* relies on vertical distance for privacy definition
(less flexibility since vertical discontinuities are
hard to overcome)
17L
Lifted
This type of organization offers communal spaces on the
middle level with, privacies both above and below.
It depends
upon a carefully executed transition from grade up to the middle
level.
The cultural references for this type of organization
are urban Renaissance villas whose main floor (or "piano
nobile") was one flight above the street.
However, today's
split level homes employ the same organization with some modification of the earth around the dwelling.
Merits:
e choice of a wide range of qualities of privacies
(i.e. upper level privacies with a sky and light
" connection and lower level privacies with exterior
space and expansion possibilities)
" allows the possibility of independent access of lower
level privacies
Liabilities:
* must either make grade changes or a skillful stair
connection to middle level in order for the middle
level to be used as a common entry
* requires careful shielding of lower level privacies
from views from the public access
* requires careful placement and definition of interior vertical circulation to make the organization
of public and private areas clear
1735
Combination
This type is really a modification of the Stratified and
Lifted organizations.
The concept is that the communal space
is volumetric (comprising space from more than one floor level)
and therefore allows a more intimate and therefore less formal
relationship of private and communal spaces.
It also allows
more "wrapping" of privacies around common areas (in 3 dimensions) giving each privacy a connection to an exterior 'edge.
Merits:
* clear perception of relationship of privacies and
common spaces
* allows flexibility of expanding (by taking over a
privacy) or contracting (by closing off portions)
of common space as use needs change
* lets common spaces feel large and public (2 story
spaces) without diminishing flexibility options
of privacies
e allows some privacies to be connected vertically
into sub-units composed of 2 or more privacies
Liabilities:
o requires careful shielding of privacies from communal spaces
e requires careful handling of vertical circulation
7f
to provide non-public access and egress from privacies
Core
This organization type, found in villas, hotels, and some
dormitories arranges private spaces around a central multistory space which includes all major circulation and communal
activities.
The privacies then all have exterior edges.
This
type of organization also features clarity of distinction between public and private realms.
Merits:
" privacies are allowed access to exterior edges permitting experience of exterior spaces and possibilities for expansion
" allows some privacies to be connected vertically
into sub-units composed of 2 or more privacies while
maintaining interior public access to all privacies
* choice among a wide variety of qualities and orientation of privacies
Liabilities:
* must get light and ventilation into the core/common
spaces
0 requires careful shielding of privacies from communal
space
o requires careful handling of vertical circulation to
provide non-public access and egress from all privacies
175
Edge
This type of organization, most often found in elderly
housing facilities,puts all circulation and common spaces at
one edge of the dwelling. This organization sets up a strict
hierarchy between communal activities and private activities
but allows both privacies and communal spaces contact with
the building's exterior.
Merits:
* clear perception of the relationship of common spaces
and privacies
e
guests and outsiders remain isolated from the intimateprivate sector of the house (communal spaces act as
privacy filters)
a privacies have at least a one-sided connection to the
exterior allowing experience of exterior spaces and
possibilities for expansion
. communal spaces have access to exterior space
Liabilities:
% communal spaces given ground/edge territory but are
least likely to need to expand
* common spaces are isolated from privaces (an
"institutional" rather than a "home-like" atmosphere)
176
23aiA6q AVezte,.ta
C,
%'ctwa
anw
There are many approaches
to stucturing
an adaptable/
flexible environment.
Basic-
significant -
halving the
number of supports can double
ally, a building can be "over-
the cost of the structure.
structured" or "under-struc-
"excessive" supply of space
tured" in order to either pro-
and consturction elements pro-
vide clues for future adapta-
vides possibilities and oppor-
tion or to make sure that
tunities for future use.
structure won't interfere with
changes in layout.
this project is over-provision
of structure.
An
Another stimulus that a
construction system can offer
The approach taken for
The alternative
is a clear distinction between
elements of support and elements of separation.
A
approach, reducing the number
differentiation by
of supports and increasing the
can inform the inhabitant about
beam spans, can be quite ex-
which elements of his dwelling
pensive,
*Tom Heath, "Designing for
Change in Architecture:
Diagnosis and Cure", 159.
of "minimal" structure can be
since the size and
materials
are easily changed and which
therefore the cost of horizon-
elements are alterable only
talmembers increases with the
with the aid of experts.
load but in proportion to the
joints between different ele-
square of the span.*
ments must be easily under-
Although
The
costs are not a major determir
stood in order to "incite al-
ant in this thesis, the cost
terations according to the
111
*Zurich group, "Eidgenossische demands of use."*
Technische Hochschule", in
The aforementioned criParticipation and Reuse,
ILAUD Annual Report 1978,
teria have led to the selec29.
ters) too frail to carry much
load individually, but when
tied together by bearing
tion of a particular con-
plates, sheathing, and deck-
struction system that combines
ing act collectively to
a variety of materials differ-
resist a variety of loading
entiated
to indicate degrees
of tractability, a system that
can be easily understood,
and
conditions.
construction system reflects
the advantage of pooling indi-
a system that can be "over-
vidual strengths and re-
sized", yet avoid an institu-
sources--one of the motivating
tional, heavy scale.
factors people have stated for
The principal structural
shared living groups.
The framing system also
material will be light wood
framing (so-called "balloon"
displays flexibility.
or "platform" framing) with
the system is dependent upon
reinforced concrete foundations
small, evenly distributed
and "fixed" cores.
Masonry
Although
loads, it also allows for con-
(brick and concrete block)
siderable fragmentation of the
will be used to give special
plates, sheathing, and deck-
connotations of hearth but
ing.
never for bearing walls.
stud or joist in the proper
Primarily, the structure
175
Thus, the primary
Addition of an extra
place can increase the capa-
will incorporate many light
city to accomodate modest con-
"sticks" (studs, joists, raf-
centrations of loads.
Openings
in floors, walls, and roofs
evenly distributed and that
can be built by simply substi-
the spans not be excessively
tuting a beam, lintel, or
long.
header where openness is
fore, quite satisfactory for
needed, as long as spans are
our residential purposes.
not too great and openings are
The system is, there-
The various materials
in the system provide a range
not too frequent.
The system is really the
in terms of degrees of tract-
essence of an "all purpose"
ability.
system--pliant and adjustable
very hard to alter, architect-
to new loading conditions.
It
The "fixed form" or
determined pieces of the
requires no knowledge of up-
building,
to-the-minute building tech-
utility stacks, some floor
nology developments, since
slabs, etc., will be of poured
this system has been in use
concrete.
from the earliest days of this
virtually "intractable" (ex-
country.
Any public library
could supply the do-it-yourself home carpenter with the
i.e. some stairs,
These elements are
cept to qualified and skilled
experts).
The masonry pieces of the
basic knowledge that would
building are limited and only
enable him/her to understand
"marginally intractable."
the construction system.
cause masonry is an additive
Therefore, the system
Be-
approach to a continuous sur-
requires that the loads be
face, bits can be added or
relatively light and rather
subtracted to change wall
179
heights.
However, the solid
nature of brick and concrete
terms of personalization of
block together with the wet-
the material itself.
process of mortared joints
makes it difficult for the
average home handy-man
to
tear down or build up a masonry wall.
Although the use
Other systems within the
building are assumed to be
only "relatively tractable"
and only for skilled tradespeople.
Plumbing, heating,
of brick is not necessary
and electrical systems are
structurally, some is used
assumed to be the respon-
because of its surface tex-
sibility of the architect.
ture and heat storing capa-
If correctly sized and lo-
city.
cated to anticipate change,
Wood is
of course a
there should be little need
"highly tractable" material
to relocate major bathrooms
since many people are familiar
or electrical outlets, for
with the dimensions and tools
example.
needed for working with wood.
that the most often changed
The flexibility aspects of a
or remodeled rooms of a house
wood system have been pre-
are the kitchen and bathrooms,
viously discussed.
180
encourage participation in
Qualities
Noting, however,
it is obvious that a need for
of wood such as the variety of
flexibility exists even in
size, span, color, and finish
rooms where storage and equip-
can not only provide a range
ment must be built-in.
of options for choice but also
the predictable future, kit-
In
Opportun-
chen equipmei t will be mar-
be used as infill.
keted that is more mobile and
ities for personalization and
attached the way some portable
adaptation are greatest at
diswashers are, with flexible
this level.
hoses and electrical lines
be categorized as "very trac-
which would allow for a great-
table" as well as moveable
er distance from utility
and operable.
stacks and more variations in
exterior infill
arrangement to suit individual
"building skin" are relative-
styles of cooking and would
ly hard to alter due to mois-
allow equipment to act inde-
ture sealing, roofing prob-
pendently of walls so that
lems, and insulation consid-
it
could be roved to new
Although the
elements (or
eratings, a great deal of
personalization potential
access to a utility stack.
is
There is an anticipation
choices in
that this idea of flexibility
siding, types of windows, and
will soon be applied to bath-
exterior ornamentation.
The infill of the building framework is virtually
unlimited.
dows,
Stud walls, win-
doors, sandwich panels
an ever-changing environment.
Infill would
rooms as long as there was
room fixtures also.
whole building life and insures
available considering the
paints, stains,
Of course, the "ultimately tractable" components of
any dwelling are the living
inhabitants (plants, animals
and people) and their posses-
faced with cloth, and screens
sions.
It is the addition of
of all types can be and should
this component that gives the
11
A 14)od A boat
Fiti i
In selecting an understandable, flexible, inexpensive,wood construction system,
poses.
The building should be no
the liability of the burnable
more than three or three and a
nature of wood must be con-
half stories in height.
sidered.
The positive aspects
Each
dwelling unit should have at
seem to outbalance the nega-
least one means of egress and
tive, and since many wooden
if there is a third floor unit
buildings
two means of egress must be
have been around
If a three story
for quite some time, the risks
provided.
seem justifiable if the fol-
building shell is divided
lowing precautions are under-
into two dwellings with the
taken.
entrance to the upper floor
Present building codes
unit only one floor above
provide guidelines in two main
ground, then only one stair
areas--the need for adequate
is necessary (providing ver-
access to an egress from a
tical circulation inside the
building, and the requirement
unit is also necessary).
of various fire resistance
Winder stairs are not consider-
ratings for certain materials
ed as a means of egress.
and types of construction.
16Z
will be assumed for our pur-
To insure that fires do
Some arbitrary rules for deal-
not spread causing extensive
ing with each of these issues
damage, buildings constructed
of a light wood framework
Fire separation walls
should be divided into incre-
must be made of "fixed",
ments of not more than 10,000
intractable materials in order
square feet of floor area.
to resist change and insure the
This can be accomplished with
integrity of the barriers
continuous fire walls of con-
against fire.
crete block or poured concrete
(2 hr. rating) extending from
foundations through the roofs.
Another fire barrier may be
formed by leaving open space
between buildings.
This space
3
APARTMEtAT
should be not much less than
eight feet wide and should
always remain unbuilt.
Be-
cause of the necessity to provide the possibility for vertical connections and the necessary vertical chases for
utilities, attempts to prevent the vertical spread of
fire by dividing the building
horizontally with poured slab
Imean
oi jef j
floors are virtually prohibited.
1e53
A fi 4
,
~e*
By taking into account
NOTE:
The alternatives presented
here are only a few of the
many possible permutations.
In the following chapter the
all of the previously outlined
three alternatives will be
factors of need, context, and
compared and evaluated in light
form, the designer must begin
of some selected design criter-
to formulate a design scheme
ia.
or schemes.
For this particu-
The goal is to combine the
positive aspects of each al-
lar design problem, organiza-
ternative into one consolidated
tion types developed in the
preliminary design.
It is hoped that by being candid and somewhat overly documented, the resulting design
will seem less arbitrary and
section on form are combined
as a basis for starting to
put together three different
design alternatives.
They are drawn and evaluated
in a somewhat precise way in
order to make explicit the
normally intuitive and personal
design process of the author.
Each
subjective.
.1
is briefly discussed and
1---,
)
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1'.
1';.,
N
a,
Alerntatae
1
The scheme employs a
spinal plan organization and
a type of modified lifted section organization.
Since the
transition from grade to the
second level was difficult and
uncommon in this context, a
sunken territory was provided
in order to get some of the
advantages of a lifted organization with privacies connected directly to the ground as
well as upper levelsky-related
privacies.
The circulation is
linear but wraps around a central, common outdoor space.
The massing of the building
allows most privacies a view
over the meadow but solar
orientation is not adequately
addressed.
166
-
'4
-:
I.
107
Aft--,
2
t,-4v
The design scheme is compact and focuses on a peripheral common space with privacies
wrapping around it. In section,
the central space is double
height (see combined section
organization) allowing upper
level circulation to be used as
part of the communal space.
The upper floors are laid out
with a predominent east-west
circulation to allow privacies
favorable solar access.
The
ground floor privacies are
reached by means of a central
hall and are also allowed
secondary connections to
con-
nections to other privacies
(for the purposes of flexibility and expansion).
This
scheme represents a relatively
understandable,
culturally
accepted system of house organization.
L
~,.
601
7T
K,
-
fl
lip"~r~
I
C_
This scheme combines a
centralized common space in
plan with a core type section
organization to create a dramatic open central space in the
house.
All the privacies are
reached through this core
space and are allowed to optionally participate or close
themselves off from the common
activities which take place in
the core space.
The privacies
are allowed access to the exterior (permitting possible
expansion).
This scheme pro-
vides choice for the inhabitants by supplying privacies
of all orientations and sizes.
Acoustically, privacy could
be a problem but circulation
is efficient and serves as a
buffer between the core and
the privacies.
1Th~EfflC
191
LZval1Tat;,,
the direct experience of a
Evaluation is literally
"placing a value on something."
In order to assign values,
NOTE:
person inside (or outside)
For this project, the
the building as reflected in
one must know the'"criteria"
criteria are based upon the
perspective sketches.
or standards by which one is
values of the author which
of these types of criteria
measuring the alternatives.
have been influenced by the
must appear in
A set of values or "design
ideas presented in the early
approach to evaluation.
criteria" must be developed
chapters of this thesis.
or uncovered.
The criteria need to be
comprehensive.
They need to
In order to be considered valid by outside observers,
include a wide range of as-
criteria must display a bal-
pects considered to be im-
anced approach.
portant by the evaluator.
ceptual and perceptual fac-
Also, it is necessary
to specify whose values the
criteria represent.
On a
Both con-
tors must be considered in
setting up criteria.
Concep-
tual evaluation is heavily
large project there may be
influenced by such things as
considerable mismatch between
organization,
the values of the client, the
and hierarchy as reflected
designer, the intended user,
in plans and sections.
and even society as a whole.
ceptual evaluation deals with
consistency,
Per-
Both
a balanced
193
Det
nCreria,
Need:
Accomodation of Functions - Does the scheme provide proper space and adjacencies for all
activities both public and private?
Communal Space - Are the common activities accomodated with enough space and light, and is
the communal space a nice environment to be in?
Privacies - Are privacies located and sized adequately and is there a choice of types of
private environments?
Flexibility - Does the scheme promote reinterpretation of space use and allow for expansion?
Circulation - Is the circulation pattern understandable and efficient?
Exterior Space - Are exterior spaces located and sized to encourage outdoor activities?
Context:
Solar Orientation - Does the scheme orient spaces (particularly privacies) to take advantage of sunlight?
Access
Scale
-
Are all points of potential access (both pedestrian and vehicular) addressed?
Does the scheme respond to the scale of surrounding buildings and landscape as
well as the incorporation of all necessary functions?
Views - Do spaces have the possibility for pleasant, unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape?
Adjacent Buildings - Does the scheme respect the private nature of adjacent territories
and allow spaces to be somewhat sheltered from the view of neighbors?
191
Form:
Organizational Clarity - Is the organization of spaces clear, understandable, and culturally familiar?
Expression of Function - Does the scheme express to inhabitants the function of various
spaces both on the interior and on the exterior of the building?
Unity/Diversity - Does the scheme allow for the identification of individual territories
within a common dwelling both on the interior and on the exterior of the building?
Memorable Image - Does the scheme present a coherent, appropriate, domestic image on the
exterior?
195
The chart above is used to compare evaluations of the alternative designs.
design criteria under the headings of need, context, and form.
It lists
For each heading, the
criteria are listed in order of importance, starting from the left (evaluation priorities).
Each alternative is rated as providing a superior, average, or poor response to each criteria;
blank spaces indicate no specific response.
success of each alternative.
196
Thus the chart allows an overall view of the
t
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^41*
1~4
ILI"
ALTEKH,4TIVE
ii
A LTLEr1AU /[
_
I
A LTEBKNATNIE
191
The evaluation process
has generated a large amount
of useful information in
addition to pointing the way
to a decision about alternatives.
The purpose of con-
solidation is to try to incorporate as many good ideas
as possible into the chosen
scheme.
From the evaluation matrix one can see that Alternative 2 has addressed the
largest number of high priority design criteria. It is
clear, then, that the scheme
should be loosely based upon
Alternative 2 - with positive
aspects of the other two
alternatives making significant modifications.
198
The building is essentially compact with an additional wing (at a slightly
defining the entry in a corner of the courtyard,
The building is approx-
different level) surrounding
imately three and a half
a roofed, central exterior
stories tall and is intended
space.
Entry is up some
to have many of the exter-
steps on the southeastern
nal features of houses in the
side of the building, under
surrounding neighborhood (i.e.
a "bridging" second story and
porches, pitched roofs, clap-
into the central courtyard.
board siding, etc.).
A
Circulation inside the building is evident upon entry
and emanates from the open,
central stairway..
Parking is provided both
on the east side and on the
north side directly off the
small road which rings the
site.
Storage is accomodated
in a basement (under the courtyard) and more frequently
used items can be stored in
the small one-story structure
199
A;;
FI R5T
200
FLOOKs PUAN
/
-
--
SECTION
201
SECOND FLOOR. PLAN
102
I
TOO1
T141 RD FLOOR. PLAN
203
,5rI- T* *
,D~e
Private territories within
the building were designed
to be a repeating,
identifi-
7e
lation is provided by the
placement of the "fixed" elements leaving a three foot
able configuration of elements
zone clear within the private
with many options for subdivi-
territory.
sion and interpretations for
connection to exterior space
use.
are also allowed by leaving
The repeated territory
consists of three zones each
of which alone is
insuffi-
cient to be used as a private
living space.
Between these
Possibilities for
space at the edge of the center zone.
A few of the many optional arrangements of spaces
within these private terri-
zones there are lintels and
tories are pictured.
pocket doors which suggest
are shown as an indication of
but do not rigidly define
the variety of configurations
possibilities for closure.
permitted with only minor
Two locations for "pull-down"
additions of closure and use
stairs are suggested in order
of the available devices (i.e.
to offer the option of com-
pocket doors, lintels, pull-
bining spaces vertically into
down stairs, etc.).
one private living space.
The possibility for
secondary or internal circu-
2-4
&
These
r
2O
It I'
poibe area for
1'
exterior e pace,
optional wirdow location
one for.
..
Ating Starcase
intel above,
'
f~i
-
pocket
-
peonal
Corlati
I
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3'
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
4
4
*
4
4
4
4
*
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
b
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
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4
4
.
4
4
4
S
4
*
4
4
~5'* p3''
location po6ibii tu
utilit
for
S5tcLe..
(9'
total
206
dooro
area ---535
b.ft.
dc
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(~)
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107
208
z09
In order to examine the
typical private territory is
preliminary design in terms
shown for each of the three
of its flexibility and its
styles of communal living
possibilities for adaptation
tested.
to fit a variety of modes
to abstract the essential
of communal living, a test in-
discoveries and complaints
volving inhabitation of the
brought to the surface by
floor plans was performed.
each inhabitation.
The author has tried
of
,"ter
peth9<0 pom~
uah
#4na( enriiri
ta
og-
Independent, unbiased help
was sought to interpret the
dwelling in the mode established by the prototypical
groups studied through interviews.
odate bot- indidua and
c0M0n"uinaa( tacvteyair-
NOTE:
po->e3, and hawe the ca
Due to the scale of the
drawings and the reduction
necessary for proper presentation, the entire inhabitation of the dwelling is
not included.
Z10
Rather, an
enlarged inhabitation of one
cdy evr
different
awd abre tha
arap
eac-
Thew (e-3jnj
Zewww e
From the exercise of inhabiting the private terri-
~tyw~
env
was often located at the end
storage.
of circulation paths.
vate territories were pro-
Since many of the larger
tories, several reoccurring
Because the pri-
posed as a generic, out-of-
needs and shortcomings of the
spaces were used privately,
context design solution,
design were pointed out.
a need for optional connec-
many possibilities allowed
all the options provided for,
tions to exterior space from
by their specific location
there were discovered a few
all interior spaces was seen
in the building were not
more which must be accomo-
as desireable.
dated in order to give occu-
the inhabitated private terri-
pants a full range of adapta-
tories, windows were changed
private territory seemed to
tion possibilities.
to doors and doors provided
need more careful attention.
in the central zone were
Kitchens and bathrooms were
a clear theme of shared spaces
blocked to create more "cor-
most often located there,
and services (i.e. kitchens
ners" for use in the shared
indicating a need for loca-
and bathrooms) were likely to
spaces.
tion of a utility stack some-
For
From the inhabitations,
In many of
Another frequent issue
occur in the central zone
exploited.
The center zone of the
where within the center zone.
leaving the edge spaces
was the option for inclusion
The stair possibilities were
(larger areas) for sleeping
of public circulation space
sometimes deemed inappro-
(particularly at the ends
priate for the central zone
this was not always the case.
of circulation) to be part
since much space was wasted
In the inhabitation of auton-
of the private territories
in circulation above.
omous, apartment-like private
or to be used for common fac-
territories, shared space
ilities
and private uses.
However,
such as bathrooms and
111
I I4AP51 TAM1 Oti
FAK1 4ou5E
COoMn30 WO,,, T,
i-i
I;
wjaH added .to .qeardtc. F'rtvaOc
docr ackld
near(exack-
,exterlor r lill'*
&hcare oytersor
to
door ad4ed t
clalmr circuld-Eon
dorto
i
ajfldOCA to
4ro
5TxeC
N71\
M1L
to i
,5tflgr.r4Lfut
eW
*F6e~~b-areas
IHNITkTON
FJOARI1OU86
3bachd or6
Qrinq o, both1rcorn
and rj circa
wiedau chanyc
todqcr f ar
esxter ior occe6e
from privc~j
permanenit
wc41b odcded to,*
endos
privcl
'
ixthrcan of
ciraiaion 5'9ace,
('C41a red-)
-215
VILLAC4E,
1ope,-- s
Z
-
column
1bathiroom ciced/
(e~hared u6)
FpOcket
ertrincted
cloorb utilized
doo r to privat,
0 rru (aUbrr
half -heichit wall cfrlrl
to
toa
r,(9uc
interior winC1Clowb for'
e
%tioncilconflectfan
wndoow cho noO to
ca~ec~ce%5
a1 door to
ext crior 6rc
ZI f
tw jmd Teep" 14?1P
The problems highlighted
The second revision also
revisions, more clues for
by the inhabitations are
increases square footage by
expansion possibilities are
significant and warrant more
providing an extra zone out-
provided.
thought and revision of the
side of the private space
walls, and overhangs have
preliminary design ideas.
for the possible location of
been added to suggest oppor-
The private territories in
serviced areas such as bath-
tunity for extending into
particular need new proposals
rooms and small kitchens.
private exterior space.
for dealing with issues such
The reasoning behind peri-
as stair location possibili-
pherally (but symetrically)
ties and utility stack prox-
locating utility stacks is
imity.
to allow back-to-back place-
Two types of revisions
are proposed.
The first in-
ment of private territories
which might share one utiliThe center zone
creases square footage con-
ty stack.
siderably, provides for op-
of the private territory is
tional stairways at the cor-
also left free for circula-
ners of the private territory
tion and possible stair
and uses the center zone as
location.
a location for a "wet wall"
Columns, low
In both of these sug-
with folding walls which
gested revisions, doors to
offer many possibilities for
the exterior space have been
bathroom or small kitchens
relocated to maximize the
within the private territory.
use of those spaces.
In both
215
FR1'NATE -TERRVTOKY
wider cmter-
v~i~
~
zo
-tw1I
ptior5,, for door6, to CXte-rioC
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RKIVI 1OH
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TE4%FI TOlKY
cox'a to
01 0135,for
tram all 5P-epterlor
5ta i rs5
In
center zneC
arect .for expnder
aniv'of
anoer
t~tLAtckFrivatL tcrritorj
Pf f
'V
total airea
-7Z5 sc. fC.
Z17
Te4nn
je
emewCn
The common spaces of the
dwelling were also tested
through inhabitation.
levels but were not seen as
location and its necessity)
a substitute for the first
was also questioned.
floor common gathering space.
Some
issues discovered seem common
The common kitchen was
to all modes of communal life-
also thought to be minimal.
style.
A bigger pantry and more "inkitchen" eating space seemed
In general, more space
was deemed necessary.
necessary.
The
living area in particular was
thought too small.
Also the stove
and refrigerator locations
were switched to give easier
Because
there was only one such com-
refrigerator access from the
mon space it tended to be
dining area.
divided into smaller areas
to
added to the entry area and
provide opportunities for
choice.
The space was also
seen as too open to circulation and public view.
Var-
ious attempts were made to
some type of screening of
the entry from the kitchen
and living spaces was proposed.
The central location of
block off circulation and
the utility stack was ques-
create some "cozy" areas
within the small space.
More storage was commonly
Some
tioned with regard to its
more intimate common living
limitations on flexibility.
spaces were provided on upper
The small bathroom (both its
IM4AJ31TINTIOt1
COMMrOM 53PAC.t
need more, undibturbec4
Iiv~
fn
j
to ctet 0-ome
Ccdb5ure, of
I ivi 1 arci
cicd wore 5tori
ne~ar entr
____
Wall aidded
I
b1Zaclc
repAt
necec55r .
Vt
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FpntV&
jx'cket ~o
-. A ciddei do
;-~
4
lacz re tOr
to
rnore- arfrc
catinR&
- irlin
F
ctreAJ
-
widoy)
Z19
Sgeited 7tem
in order to remove it from
Because the common
spaces of this dwelling are
view from the entry and to
peculiar to this floor plan
provide it with more nearby,
and building organization,
informal eating space and a
many problems brought to the
service entry apart from the
surface by the inhabitations
public entry.
cannot be solved without ser-
The small half bath and
ious re-thinking of the
the central utility stack are
entire design.
elimiated and a coat closet
However, the
organization of the building
serves the storage needs upon
was selected through proper
entry and blocks views into
evaluation of many alterna-
living spaces.
tives and the basic layout
The square footage of
of public and private spaces
the communal space is slightly
ought to remain the same.
increased and a more effi-
Circulation may be somewhat altered, however,
to
solve the problem of a heavily trafficked living area.
More living space is also
provided to give more options
for communal activities.
The kitchen is re-located
ZZO
Commn 4jces
:wr
cient layout is achieved.
REVIOM~
COMMtONi
5P4ACF~
a,
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*
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224
NOTE:
The work presented up to this point has focused on understanding and development of programmatic issues involved in
shared living environments and an attempt to test out such
issues in a designed example. This work has led the author
to an understanding through which some projections and recommendations about strictly physical design issues can be
attempted. It is realized that the following section only
hints at some important issues. To thoroughly address these
issues might be the topic of another Zengthy study. The
author feels it important to at least get the reader started
on the train of thinking in terms of physical form-making
that the preceding research and thought brings up.
zz?.
cc
40
A
fr
In drawing some useful
be flipped, used in a variety
because stairs do not work
conclusions from this work,
of orientations with respect
well in
the same area as
perhaps the most generally
to the rest of the building,
utility
runs,
helpful thought has been in
concatonated to other similar
vertical circulation is more
specifying guidelines for
footprints, and, of course,
strategic on the inner edges
the dimensioning and position-
allow for many internal parti-
of private territories.
ing of private territories
tioning choices.
also offers the option of the
within a shared dwelling.
"footprint" is meant to refer
stairs belonging to a pri-
The approach was to develop
to the basic "framework"
vate territory above as well
one possible configuration
structured organization of a
as the option of the stairs
which could optimize choices
private territory.
being used as a private verti-
for uses and be used as a
"deployable"
element or
The term
or
From the revision at-
the location of
This
cal connection internal to an
tempts,many issues were
individual's space.
"footprint" in a variety of
raised concerning utility
location of the door would
ways to define a shared living
stack and stair location
have to be changed to offer
environment.
possibilities.
this possibility.
"Footprint" is
a term
used here to connote an unchangeable, identifiable, repeating configuration of fixed
Optimizing
Only the
The possi-
the number of locations that
bility of entirely elimina-
could have wet services by
ting public circulation from
placing a utility stack
symetrically in the center
upper floors is open if private stairways are used to
elements which define spaces.
zone seemed a reasonable
access upper level private
The basic footprint is not
way to allow many convenient
territories from the floor
layouts of functibns.
below.
static, however, as it can
Also
FOOT PRI 1HT
t?
. $I
- utilit
--- I-
.o pt(onctl
trrltor
etacle. t*n centtrzone..,
,
cadcidtoema
5
I
II
I
I
--
IK
I
T-i
I
ii
~iir~
I,
I
I.
I
.1
I
*1
70,
5
ZZ5
dec~ioan
the fIt
that sppfiitd
round if def-
ie?'fl $TkhdAfge
wutri&
fo
dhrZ~e cjk ~7 1
but iwet go poawf'
her-apcus as te eCAntse
a*te
the
frte
tarz1
NOTE:
(i.e. it is not a complete
It is not the intention
of the author to contend
that the private territory
dwelling in and of itself).
"footprint" developed here
is the "optimal" or "ideal"
space within a congregate
dwelling. A good deal of
thought has gone into the
generic issues which help
or hinder adaptive possibilities, however.
ever, for the entire territory
to be used as an individual
living realm in the mode of
an autonomous, mini-apartment
within the shared environment
(see minimal inhabitation).
The minimum spatial envelope
is perhaps of most concern in
attempting to understand the
maximum program options that
at-
need to be accomodated within
*-ibtesof esen, Cater
ca,iba fkvi. E'th- dec~ios .- itaking pr-cess
within such private terri-
the private territory (see
tories are limited due to
maximum inhabitation).
shutd -ntbe toztkjf
conpCefe ; it ii'ernes$
the underlying understanding
The activities allowed
that the occupants of the
territories are residents of
3arce £mitk
a shared dwelling and therefore have access to some
shared facilities.
The
private territory then cannot
and should not attempt to
ZZb
The possibility exists, how-
accomodate all activities
At its maximum capacity
a private territory should
accomodate:
facility with others.
The many options for
arrangement of these activi-
* 2 sleeping places
ty settings are provided by
* 2 "living" (or lounging,
indication of possible par-
studying, eating)
tition locations (i.e.
places
columns and lintels overhead).
e 2 half baths with showers
This "footprint" has more
or 1 shared full bath-
potential than can be shown.
room
Obviously some adjacencies
e circulation space
of activities cannot be
4
2 stair options
accomodated by this particu-
Kitchens are considered
lar configuration, but the
to be only marginally essen-
possibilities that do exist
tial
are quite numerous and con-
since every communal
dwelling is likely to have a
siderably more varied than
common kitchen.
those offered by traditional
Bathrooms,
on the other hand, are symbols
of the ultimate privacy and
apartment layouts.
The "footprint" is actu-
are much appreciated by in-
ally only a suggestion for
habitants of congregate
dimensioning and placement
of fixed elements.
Many of
dwellings.
Because of this
association of privacy, it
is important that occupants
are not forced to share this
the edges could be altered
(expanded or contracted) and
much of the so-called "arch-
2Z7
itectural" decisions concern-
or two).
ing materials, detailing,
ly, the repeating piece can
can be developed which
window heights, etc. can have
be arranged in many ways to
could make construction sim-
multiple interpretations and
suite many different densities
pler and organization clearer
still fit into the general
and types of context.
without sacrificing adap-
idea of the "footprint".
may appear strung loosely
tability, multiple interpre-
Such variations from the basic
together (as in the design
tation possibilities, or
or generic design provide
example presented) in
functionality.
personalization possibilities,
density, suburban situation,
a way to respond to local con-
or placed together in a
text conditions, and an open
linear way on a long-narrow
forum for architectural ex-
site, or focused around a
pression.
common view.
But more important-
They
a low-
One of the important
aspects of the idea of the
"footprint" is the notion
that it
is
a repeatable,
This particular configre-
cognizable piece of the build-
226
NOTE:
uration of spaces was developed in the context of a
ing.
This hints at a type
of modular approach to congre-
single-family house proto-
gate housing (that is, the
Type and Image).
residents may be able to con-
priateness in a rowhouse
ceive of expanding their
situation, for instance, is
household size by simply add-
therefore suspect.
ing another private territory
point is, however., to show
type (see section on Housing
Its appro-
The
that a deployable element
rIMIMA(L jN14ABITNTIOH
2 NeTT5
wi~thin rrmimal privoat6teLrritoiC5
2- 1ou Aok
2- k.1 tcMen 5
2- bathroOme) Cw;th bhowcm')
Z29
11W{IrIAL
IMKA25TAT1Ob
I V,;tcheA
1 b~athroomv
230
({oI\)
Wthin
miniriaI prvciec
tcrritovj
DOU5LL.- LEVEL TE2KRITOKY
mrnor,
thcir'
~,pcc~- cc en
gcl vppfr I
ba throorn
fece)~
5tair dhrjoo k
Circulation1 necir
afflC.
C(P
I
5~toir5 toopp
eveA open) T
loun je
25'1
.5maII r-oflC- Petrvitbr!
-teft iarCA
i ac'Xat
cr-
sic
.zAce-
lid
fzr
aitrnative,- cxxeb~
to Ce~reer z.onC.
3
it,1tCdr tzo
&~Un room or btu43)
ICI
AM UII1111 It
room
232.,
5pacfL
or Icun5 )
-s~ixed
Cbedroomr
I1I11I
31---wary
23
.5aWt~,O(
The aim of this thesis
individually owned, non-flex-
help to bridge the technol-
has been to point out that
ible, living environment is
ogy gap.
architecture can and should
culturally imbedded and econ-
profession and society start
provide a means for allowing
omically wedded to the Ameri-
re-examining set methods
the option of communal living.
can way of life.
and assumptions about user
The available physical ele-
argument in favor of maxi-
preferences and as users
ments and the current social
mizing the possibilities for
begin to demand more of their
atmosphere do allow for some
choice by individuals (a
living environments, the
people to make a shared life-
principle linked to the Amer-
product market will respond
style a workable alternative
ican ideal of "the pursuit
with more devices which
today but an awareness and
of happiness").
facilitate change and offer
a responsive attitude on the
Z34
It is an
The architect's role in
As the design
more choices; witness the
part of design professionals
providing means to achieve
growing popularity of the
could make more choices for
this ideal may be in the form
"do-it-yourself" movement
more housing consumers and
of experimentation with new
and the changes in the fur-
could make the concept of
ways of conceiving desireable
niture and equipment indus-
congregate living a truly via-
lifestyle options or in making
tries toward modularity and
ble alternative lifestyle.
new adaptable "footprints"
extendable storage systems.
This thesis is really a
which encourage occupants to
demonstrated argument in op-
get involved in the on-going
position to those designers
process of design.
who are of the opinion that
sort of ingenuity and crea-
the ideas of congregate liv-
the traditional single family,
tivity is necessary and will
ing and adaptable/flexible
This
The thesis has attempted
to outline some of the background and precedents for
contexts), and accomodate
the issues discussed are
cursory look at real-world,
many of the more important
common to almost all situ-
existing examples was made
variations of program and
ations in which groups of
in order to abstract problems
architectural form.
people share in the use of
of shared living and to gen-
"footprint" or "support"
erate guidelines and patterns
for private territories was
to be used in an experimental
presented, not as a "perfect"
the tip of the proverbial
way in trying to solve some
or "generic" solution, but
iceberg of shared living
of the problems discovered.
as a point of departure
issues and options.
A design (which the reader is
for thinking about and de-
reminded to keep in the per-
signing for tractable, shared
spective of an example) was
environments.
architecture.
Beyond this, a
then put forward and tested.
In developing this
This
By way of concluding
this work, a suggestion of
particular design scheme,
its general applicability
some generalizeable conclu-
and potentials outside of its
sions were reached concerning
own confines should be stated.
the requirements for pri-
The work has broader uses
vate territories within shared
which
dwellings.
A basic unit was
could extend to the
design of congregate dwellings
proposed which could be mul-
for the elderly, half-way
tiply interpreted, arranged
houses, hostels, correction
within a building in a varie-
facilities for delinquent
ty of ways (responding to a
youths, hospices, and dormi-
variety of building types and
tories,as examples.
Some of
built environments.
This work exposes only
73 ibfragkj
g
y
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__
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23,9