Open House International

Wilkinson, Nicholas

2010 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-01-2010-B0001

The last editorial dealt with the time based concept for buildings where adaptability responded to the need for change and variations. The concept actually is centuries old but only came to the fore with the advent of the office block. That in itself is nothing new but some architects have taken the principle of housing adaptability into forms which look like offices. Why not ?

Wamsler, Christine

2010 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-01-2010-B0002

This paper analyses how disaster risk management paradigms have gradually developed since the 1960s, shaped by practical experience of-and the debate about-the rising number of disasters, growing urbanization, and changing climatic conditions. In this context, climate change is shown as driving an urban pro-poor adaptation agenda, which could allow current shortcomings in urban risk reduction to be overcome. However, as past lessons in disaster risk management are rarely considered, any potential for improvement remains untapped. Possible ways of rectifying this situation are discussed, and a comprehensive framework for the reduction of both disaster and climate risks is presented.

Vehbi, Beser Oktay; Hoskara, Ercan; Hoskara, Sebnem Önal

2010 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-01-2010-B0003

This study1 seeks to identify and propose a model for measuring and assessing the level of sustainability in housing environments based on a range of indicators. With this intention, the article is composed of four main parts. In the first part, the relationship between sustainability and housing is presented based on previous research; in the second part, a theoretical framework is put forward for sustainable housing. Then in the third part, sustainability indicators are discussed thoroughly within the context of indicator frameworks. In this section, the development, selection and measuring processes of indicators are also introduced. Finally in the fourth part, the model for measuring and assessing the level of sustainability in housing environments is presented. It is believed that this model will be used as a tool in the decision-making processes for the future development of existing housing settlements and their environments.

Mostafa, Magda

2010 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-01-2010-B0004

Autistic Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disorder estimated to inflict 1 in every 150 children, regardless of socio-cultural aspects, with a four to one prevalence in males over females, (ADDM, 2007). It involves a complex sensory perceptual model, variant from that of the typical individual. It manifests itself in the form of repetitive behaviour, lack of social skills and communication delays and challenges. Being a life-long infliction, individuals with autism require a comprehensive range of specialized support services, including residential, from childhood to adulthood.Housing services for special needs, in general, conventionally deal with issues of physical access. The provisions required for developmentally challenged individuals, such as those with autism are rarely considered.This paper aims to provide a precedent to help guide the adaptation process in the case of group residential accommodation for autistic adults in mass housing projects. After a brief examination of the available literature in the field, a case study will be presented, illustrating design criteria developed for adapting housing for autistic use.

Khan, Tareef Hayat; Beisi, Jia; Dhar, Tapan Kumar

2010 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-01-2010-B0005

The paper tries to compare the qualitative difference between professional and pragmatic design solutions in self-built houses. Self-built houses are defined here as permanently constructed houses in urban context, generally used as the primary shelter of the users belonging to middle income group, and most likely to be constructed under own informal management and own investment. The study starts with the question why pragmatic solutions seem to be more effective than professional decisions in self-built houses, even though state regulations try to engage architects in housing decisions. This study adopts ethnographic method to find the implicit reasons behind pragmatic decisions during initial as well as different stages of transformations in the houses, and suggests how professional decisions might become more effective when it is molded with the subjective values of users. It also suggests that knowing these values can be one basic way to bring architects closer to these users, and let architects play social as well as professional role in a field which has not been explored much by architectural practitioners throughout architectural history.

Akalin, Aysu; Yildirim, Kemal; Wilson, Christopher; Saylan, Aysun

2010 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-01-2010-B0006

This research solicits the opinions of the residents of the Keçiören district of Ankara, Turkey, in order to learn their preferences about their local postmodern environment where the municipality forces all contractors and architects to adhere to strict planning laws requiring Turkish folk and Islamic architectural references. The Municipality of Keçiören, as an agent of civil power, manages the architectural and urban transformation of the area from a district formerly composed of squatter housing to one comprised of, in the words of Robert Venturi, “decorated sheds,” in an effort to create a different looking environment rich in nostalgia and excitement. In this research, a total of 7 different sets of apartment façades were analyzed, with each set comprising three examples each of minimum complexity (representing the former condition of the district), intermediate complexity (representing “high” architecture designed by an architect, which does not exist in the district) and maximum complexity (representing the present postmodern condition of the district). The main hypothesis of the study was that preference rates would be high for intermediately altered “high style” houses by showing the existence of a U-shaped relationship between preference and complexity. That is, façades representing an intermediate level of complexity would be favored over less complex and more complex façades. It was also assumed that there would be a difference in the ratings of different age groups. A questionnaire was carried out with 50 adults (aged 30-45) and 50 high school students (aged 18-20) of Keçiören, who were asked to rate a total of 21 photographs from 7 apartment complexes with the help of a five-point semantic differential scales under three headings: preference, complexity and impressiveness. The results proved the existence of a U-shaped relationship between preference and complexity. On the other hand, younger respondents, compared to older respondents, gave more favorable ratings to the physical qualities of the photographed buildings.

Usta, Ayhan; Usta, Gülay K.

2010 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-01-2010-B0007

In history, spatial organizations for houses have been changed and improved depending on the natural conditions, well-being of people, utilization of resourses, population density, family structure and urbanization rate. It can be said the spatial organization of housing that they are both in a relationship with culture and they are a total configuration of social, demographical, psycological, human behaviorial and environmental structure.Any housing settlement in Turkish Islamic tradition is macro and micro scaled organization in which social relation and cultural characteristics of society that are necessary for physical environment and society reflect.Basic element of urban spatial organization in Turkish Islamic housing pattern is “the quarter”. (Quarter is called as “mahalle” in Turkish culture) The quarter contains functional and semantic characteristics which are common for most Islamic civilization and Turkish Islamic cities.In this study, what meaning does the quarter have as smallest spatial organization element in Anatolia will be examined. In additon what kind kind of evolutionary process does the quarter face in Turkish settlement.

Fasli, Mukaddes; Pakdel, Farnaz

2010 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-01-2010-B0008

This study assesses the Laguna District's spatial qualities in Gazimagusa. Gazimagusa is a coastal settlement that possesses long golden beaches. However, almost all sea fronts are closed to the public. There is both a physical and a visual barrier along the sea-shore. The Laguna District is the only area in the city, where the sea-shore is open to the public. Therefore, this district is an important area. In this study, three indicators and eleven determinants are used to assess the spatial qualities of the Laguna District. The indicators are natural and physical aspects as well as existing functions and activities in the district. In this research, the determinants are used in question form for assessing the spatial qualities of the Laguna District. The first part of this paper discusses some theoretical issues related to the significance of sea fronts in respect of coastal settlements and the spatial qualities of the coastal districts. Observation and physical analysis methods are used for assessing the spatial qualities. According to findings, some recommendations are given for improving the spatial qualities of the Laguna District.

Hürol, Yonca

2010 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-01-2010-B0009

HOUSING AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS IN POST-COMMUNIST COUNTRIES