Spatial Flexibility in Housing: Establishing Conceptual Framework for Adaptive Design Model

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive review of all significant research about flexibility and adaptability in architecture with particular focus on housing design.  The aim is to establish a conceptual framework for a sustainable building design model for Adaptable Housing in Brunei Darussalam.   In general, flexibility is ability and potential of a building to change, adapt and reorganize itself in response to change.  The problems identified are related to sustainable building design and its adaptability and modification throughout the life-cycle of the house.  Therefore, the research focuses on the conceptual framework and investigates the constraints of design.  Form and function were identified as technological difficulties in the concept of adaptability and flexibility.  Adaptability in a broader sense includes innovative participatory processes for a better way to personalise the home.  The method used in this study is a logical flow from the preliminary investigation to form a conceptual framework.  Data were retrieved from document review as well as project information, interviews, and observations.  The findings confirmed that the conceptual framework could contribute for the development of research in Adaptable Housing by formulating an Adaptive Design model.  The main contribution of this study is a conceptual framework that is the basis for designing a questionnaire survey for data collection at the next level of research.  This framework provides variables for adaptable housing including activities in the house and satisfaction level for dependent and independent space.