Open House International

Wilkinson, Nicholas

2012 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-03-2012-B0001

Avı Friedman's new book, DECISION MAKING FOR FLEXIBILITY IN HOUSING has much going for it. The main arguments and objectives are set out here in this manuscript which opens with a short introduction whose first sentence is “narrow houses were a product of necessity”. It goes on to cover facets of his work in this area on construction technologies, and materials arguing also for higher density living. He succinctly makes a case for the narrow frontage town house derived out of the concerns related to environmental and socio-economic issues. Sustainability, among other key factors, recieves full attention making this book and manuscript worthwhile having on your bookshelf and in your University library.(page 6)

Friedman, Avi; Whitwham, Robyn

2012 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-03-2012-B0002

Recognized for their high density and resources conservation, townhouses are attracting homebuyers and builders once again. With housing affordability being an issue in many nations, the interior and the exterior must be cost effective. Their proportions, however, pose a particular design challenge. The typically narrow width limit design options and the long footprint restrict the amount of light that reaches the dwelling's center.This article presents strategies used by designers of notable townhouses with a width smaller than 6 meters to best solve those challenges. The authors studied interior design of 28 narrow units and drew conclusions about key principles that facilitated their planning. The research demonstrates that space efficiency can be achieved by employing open plans, minimizing circulation, using light colors, varying ceiling heights, suitable window placement and creative storage fixtures.

Sung-Hwa, Kim; Beisi, JiA

2012 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-03-2012-B0003

Unlike the building forms, technology, and materials of today, the traditional Korean architecture represents an example of flexible building forms in history. Investigating and studying this type of architecture not only can contribute to the reform of architectural history by understanding how ordinary buildings change over time and how they interact with people but also may suggest the possibility of, and methodology for developing long-lasting and sustainable mass housing in Korea and in Asian cities. The first part of the paper demonstrates the structural, spatial, and functional flexibilities of traditional Korean architecture. The second part investigates the construction system, including the organization of builders and the regulations governing the relationship with the residents. Its systematic construction approach is associated with the specialization of construction and standardization and prefabrication of elements, facilitating the easy replacement and reuse of building materials. The paper is based on a research methodology of integrating historical archives and case studies. The main argument posited here is that knowledge and skill of traditional construction of flexibility suggest conceptual strategies to improve current housing design and construction in order to obtain a sustainable future.

Gesto, Belén; Gómez, Guillermo; Salas, Julián

2012 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-03-2012-B0004

While the illegal occupation of land by families lacking the means to acquire housing on the market is hardly front page news in Latin America, it may not merit the silence to which it has been relegated of late. The authors, who formed part of a research team on the subject, conclude that urban squatting is still very common today. The team found that most Latin American countries are amending their municipal, provincial and national legislation in this regard and backing programmes for consolidation and improvement. In a nutshell, they are adopting a more tolerant attitude toward squatting. The authors believe that the Guided Occupancy Programme successfully implemented by the city of Trujillo, Peru, for over a decade, constitutes an exemplary approach to the problem. While not necessarily constituting a universal solution, it can be viewed as a viable and reproducible alternative in situations of widespread poverty.

Nalkaya, Saim

2012 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-03-2012-B0005

Architectural design process is subject to ambiguities surrounding not only definition of the procedures and the flow of the process, but also the nature of the information to be analyzed. This state of affairs is generally thought to require creative thinking for solving both different aspects of the problem, and integration of the parts of the solution. Creativity is mainly explained on the basis of novelty, utility and surprise. But it is not considered to be a unitary concept.The underlying structure of the design process has been introduced by the present study in relation to the levels of the decision making concerning the process. In addition a multidimensional view of architectural design has been provided as part of creative design-solving process, based on a multi-sensory perception of architecture, human needs, designer's theoretical orientation for creativity, and incremental steps of creative problem-solving activity. The major realms of inquiry as part of the incremental steps of problem solving have been identified with reference to the study areas in professional degree programs in architecture. The model of architectural design process introduced is expected to help the problem solver interlink different parts of the solution established through creative design problem solving procedures.

Khan, T. H.; Dhar, T. K.

2012 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-03-2012-B0006

This paper investigates the private housing in Hong Kong in terms of flexibility. Since the last few decades Hong Kong Government is steadily endeavoring to achieve a sustained and healthy development of private housing property market. With Hong Kong's economy on the rise, and its fertility rate being one of the lowest in the world, more people are looking for increased space standards even for higher price. Currently, around two-third of the population of Hong Kong lives in private flats. However, it is observed that these flats, especially the highrise housing estates do not come as open shell like the public housing estates do. This paper at first identifies the major prototypes of contemporary private housings built in the past few decades. Then it compares the flexibility of different prototypes in four sequential levels of construction i.e structure, envelop, building services and infill. Flexibility is measured by means of potential layout options that the users practice inside these prototypes. It finds that some prototypes offer more flexibility than the others. It concludes that flexibility in recent private flats is gradually reducing. But on a positive note, they are offering more varieties in size and layout design in order to meet the increasing demand in spatial standards.

Alvarado, Rodrigo G.; Bruscato, Underlea M.; Kelly, Maureen T.; D'Amico, Flavio C.; Oyola, Olavo E.

2012 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-03-2012-B0007

Integrated design is a strategy to develop sustainable architecture projects incorporating multidisciplinary work and environmental performance assessments, which has provided significant advancement to public buildings in developed countries. This paper presents a review of some aspects of integrated design for the planning and construction of energy efficient housing in the south of Chile, as part of the reconstruction process following the earthquake on 27th February 2010. Firstly, a synthesis is made of the characteristics, implicit conditions, participants, steps, resources and expected results of an integrated design approach according to existing references. This is then contrasted with normal housing design practice in Chile according to current building regulations and interviews with professionals in the field. The design processes of experimental houses and housing projects that place specific focus on energy performance are then analysed, with follow-ups and interviews to review significant aspects. After examining those experiences, the authors identify some particular features and resources of integrated design that promote environmental improvements.

Sulaiman, Zamharira; Ali, Azlan Shah; Ahmad, Faizah

2012 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-03-2012-B0008

Abandoned buildings which are exposed to weather and human threat may lead to deterioration in building quality. Indirectly, the buyer is not satisfied when the abandoned buildings is completed and occupied. This study seeks to assess residents' satisfaction towards residential building quality which was abandoned. This research combined quantitative and qualitative methods. Respondents are randomly selected based on reports and information obtained through the Ministry Housing and Local Government (MHLG) and Local Authority (LA). Subsequently thirty (30) housing projects were selected to answer the questionnaires. Based on thirty (30) housing projects which have been completed, only three (3) housing projects ranged between six (6) months to two (2) years and have been occupied by the buyers. A total of ten (10) developers were interviewed with respect to rehabilitation of abandoned projects. Thus 194 respondents were randomly selected to achieve the objective of the study. The data was analysed through descriptive statistical analysis and inferential statistics. This research demonstrated that abandoned housing project can lead to residents' satisfaction towards building quality. In order to rehabilitate abandoned housing, the study subsequently suggested build then sell approach towards achieving better housing quality.

Mushtaha, Emad S.; Mori, Taro; Masamichi, Enai

2012 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-03-2012-B0009

Several calls have been everywhere asking for proper use of passive design tools like shading devices, insulation, natural ventilation and solar panels in building architecture of hot-dry area in order to improve the thermal performance of indoor spaces. This paper examines the effect of these passive tools on indoor thermal performance which in turn helps arrange thermal priorities properly. Herein, basic principles of Successive Integration Method (SIM) have been utilized for an integrated design of two floors with small openings integrated with floor cooling, solar panels, natural ventilation, shading devices, and insulation. As a result, create priorities of passive tools that are structured consequently for ventilation, insulation, solar panels, and shading devices. This structure could guide designers and builders to set their priorities for the new development of building construction.