Abstract
As cities continue to grow and diversify, urban planners, and architects face the challenge of creating housing solutions that can flexibly respond to many demands and changes over time. This rapid change in the urban landscape necessitates adaptable housing design typologies to meet the evolving needs of urban residents. Several residential building, typologies have emerged with the intent of solving the problems arising from overpopulation. This paper aims to shed light on the importance of adaptability in urban housing design and its potential to enhance urban living environments. It reviews adaptability through various urban housing typologies, exploring the concept, its significance, and strategies that can be employed to achieve adaptable dense housing solutions.
1 Introduction
Urban housing typologies have been changing over time as a response to rapid urbanization and to confront housing needs [1]. In the process of civilization development, the increase of population in cities, and the continual exploration of urban space development, housing functions have been changing, and the forms and components have been multiplying. This is also affected by cultural, environmental, and political development [2]. This is why different types of housing have already appeared to adapt to their different uses, namely laborers' housing, military housing, temporary housing, student housing, elderly housing, sanatoriums, rural housing, and urban housing in towns and cities, which now constitute more than 60% of housing forms [3]. In it, buildings take different forms, like attached, detached, linear, and solitary forms of housing, each with its characteristics. This paper deals with the concept of adaptability in urban housing, which has emerged as a fundamental and compelling discourse. It sets the stage for exploring the multifaceted dimensions of adaptability in urban housing, highlighting its importance in shaping resilient, inclusive, and harmonious cities of the future. This study delved into the various urban housing typologies and then explored design strategies for adaptability, from architectural design and flexible layouts to sustainable building materials and innovative technologies, intending to achieve housing typologies that can gracefully adapt to the evolving needs and challenges of today's urbanism.
2 Materials and methods
This paper discusses the essential conditions and design strategies for urban habitation and introduces aspects at the various scales of urban territory, neighborhood, building, and individual habitation. Investigating the various urban housing typologies aims to understand and analyze the characteristics and needs of different housing types and is used in various urban contexts. These typologies can be varied in classifications and categories; they can be based on form, technology, construction, and function. This paper deals with the different form-based urban housing typologies, each with unique characteristics and elements. It also investigates the concept of adaptability, its significance, and various strategies employed in achieving adaptable dense housing solutions by focusing on the dynamic nature of urban environments and addressing critical issues, including sustainability, affordability, and livability.
3 Form-based urban housing typologies
Form-based housing typology is a classification system that categorizes buildings based on their physical form and size. It is a way of grouping similar types of buildings and analyzing their characteristics and features. They can be solitary, linear, closed, and more complex shapes. The following section explains the most recognized forms of urban housing typologies.
3.1 Stand-alone houses (detached form)
They are one- or two-story high single-family buildings, usually with a private yard that is not attached to any other buildings (Fig. 1). They are commonly located on the outer circle of the city. They offer more space, privacy, and flexibility than other housing types [4]. However, stand-alone homes require more maintenance, land, and resources than other housing types. There are different types of stand-alone homes, depending on their design, layout, and features. Some of these types are the single-family courtyard house, the bungalow, the barn, the villa, etc. They can also be built on a slope like the V-house by Mazanti [5].
3.2 Urban villas and townhouses (point form)
Urban villas are a distinctive architectural residential concept that combines elements of both urban and suburban living (Fig. 2). These dwellings are characterized by their spacious and often luxurious design, typically featuring multiple stories, ample living space, and private outdoor areas [6]. Urban villas are typically located within or on the fringes of urban areas, offering residents the convenience of city living while enjoying the privacy and amenities of suburban homes. One of the contemporary examples of this kind of typology is the 2023 project “Villa M”, by Delugan Meissl Associated Architects, in Vienna [7].
3.3 Row houses and terraces (linear form)
Row houses, also known as terraced houses, are a style of residential building characterized by a series of connected single-family homes that are open on both sides and share separating side walls between units (Fig. 3). These houses are typically arranged in a row along a street, forming a continuous architectural facade. The smallest number of buildings that can form a terraced class dwelling is three [8]. They can be single or multi-family houses and reach seven floors. There was a resurgence of interest in terraced housing as a variant of high-density development due to the growing number of slab buildings and high-rise apartments in the early 1960s. While the ‘aggressiveness’ towards high-rise housing and many multi-unit urban blocks has waned, interest in terraced housing has continued as a desired style for occupants [9].
3.4 Slab blocks (linear block form)
Slab blocks are a type of residential building typically found in urban environments. They are characterized by their long, rectangular, and horizontally oriented design (Fig. 4). Slab blocks are multi-story structures consisting of a series of apartments stacked on top of each other, each floor having multiple units. The defining feature of slab blocks is their flat, slab-like appearance, contrasting with more traditional architectural forms [10]. This typology has played a significant role in providing affordable housing options in many urban centers worldwide. One of the contemporary examples is the adaptable 2014 Prefab House in Rimavska, Slovakia [11], by GutGut, which its original state can be compared to the “Kispest-Panelház” [12] by the 3rd Housing District of Budapest. These houses can be attached to each other, forming various shapes (letter U-T-I-H shapes), and have various adaptability opportunities.
3.5 Towers and high-rises (solitary form)
Residential towers are characterized by their height, with multiple stories and apartments stacked vertically (Fig. 5). This typology is a common sight in urban environments and has become a concept of high-density living in cities worldwide. These structures are typically constructed to maximize land use and accommodate many residents, expanding vertically with one connecting axis (the elevator) [13]. These types of buildings did not have much appeal in the European urban context due to their association with social housing projects. This type of housing is linked with noise, pollution, crime, loss of privacy, significant pressure on the infrastructure, and the difficulty of maintenance, far from adapting to the human scale. Furthermore, social studies state that the large use of the elevator limits the behavior of the residents. Some solutions were developed to limit these problems. For example, focusing on a solution to make the dense tower housing create communities and offer a quality of social life, like the “Vertical Forest” [14] in Milan by “Boeri” and the “Mirador” [15] in Madrid by the firm founded W. Maas, J. van Rijs, and N. de Vries (MVRDV firm).
3.6 Perimeter blocks and courtyards (quadrangle form)
Quadrangle houses, also known as multi-family courtyard houses, are residential buildings that are designed in a square or rectangular shape, often enclosing an open central courtyard or quadrangle (Fig. 6). These structures consist of multiple living units, typically four, organized around this central open space [16]. Quadrangle houses are a type of housing arrangement found in various architectural styles and offer several benefits, including shared outdoor space and a sense of community among residents.
3.7 Infills (narrow form)
Infill narrow houses are residential structures designed to be constructed on small, narrow plots of land within existing urban or suburban areas (Fig. 7). These houses are specifically designed to maximize the use of limited space and fit into tight, often vacant, or underutilized parcels, while still providing affordable and decent living accommodations. There are many types of urban infill like “Closes, Wynds and Mews”, which are different types of narrow streets and lanes characteristic of Scottish urban architecture. Infill houses are crucial in addressing urban density and utilizing available land resources efficiently [17]. One interesting example is the 2012 Szczęsny's Keret House [18] in Warsaw, Poland.
3.8 Stacked houses and clusters (Mega-form)
Stacked housing refers to a residential building or housing arrangement in which individual housing units or apartments are vertically stacked on top of each other within a single structure in a complex intersected form [19] forming shared or private terraces (Fig. 8). This typology aims to efficiently use the available space in a complex way, making it particularly as suitable as possible for urban environments with limited land area. Stacked housing is an efficient way to accommodate a larger number of residents within a relatively small footprint, considering the residents' positive interaction.
3.9 Converted houses and lofts (Extensive form)
“Lofts,” refer to a type of residential space repurposed from a former industrial or commercial building into a living space. They are residential spaces typically characterized by their open and flexible floor plan, high ceilings, and an industrial aesthetic [20]. Lofts are known for their adaptability and are often created by converting former industrial or commercial buildings into residential units (Fig. 9) [21]. They have become popular for their unique and stylish urban living environments. “The Frøsilo” [22] by MVRDV architecture firm is a unique example of adaptive reuse in housing.
4 Adaptability solutions
In addition to addressing the affordable housing crisis and rapid urbanization through urban housing design, the designs must also be sustainable. This is where adaptability comes in, as it is crucial to achieving sustainability in urban residential situations. Adaptability can be defined as the ability of a building to effectively accommodate changing demands and maximize value over time [23]. Good architecture should be able to perform multiple functions simultaneously by adapting to users' needs [24]. For this study, the focus has been placed on the urban housing typologies in Europe. The three most common housing typologies in Europe are flats, often found in slab blocks, detached houses, and row or terraced houses. Therefore, this research investigates adaptability solutions for these three housing forms as they are the most relevant.
Schmidt and Austin [23] present design strategies for adaptability with various building characteristics related to them. The next section of this research studied some of the design strategies focusing on the physical and spatial ones, and categorized the most applicable strategies and characteristics to each housing typology. Based on this, the typology most prone to adaptable solutions could then be determined.
4.1 Modularity
This design strategy deals with how the physical parts of the building, considered as individual functional entities, can be assembled, and later disassembled if need be [25]. The building characteristics associated with this strategy are; reversible, movable stuff, component accessibility, and functional separation. These characteristics are most easily applied to the slab block housing typology as these buildings are commonly designed using framed solutions. Framed solutions encourage the accessibility of components with minimal damage increasing reversibility. It also facilitates the separation of functional units like structure, skin, and space plan. Dropped ceilings and raised floors are also most common in the slab block typology resulting in accessibility to service elements. The user profiles of these types of buildings mean that the furniture and objects brought in will most likely be movable.
4.2 Design ‘in’ time
Design ‘in’ time deals with the capability of the physical parts of the building to provide options for the users as they inhabit and utilize it. All three housing typologies support configurable stuff, understood as elements that have multiple states and can be adjusted to specific situations, and multifunctional components, which, while generally un-configurable, can serve multiple purposes. Service zones that allow for increased user control, especially regarding the necessary mechanical equipment, are more realistic in slab block buildings, as they can be more easily integrated into the structure of slab buildings [26]. This is the same in the application of not-precious solutions, where, based on the user profile of slab block-type buildings, users are more likely to adopt cheap and temporary solutions that fulfill an immediate need and can take a bit of bruising.
4.3 Long life
This concerns the building characteristics from a physical perspective that enable a building to have a longer life. Among these characteristics are;
durable materials that can be knocked around and resist decay;
mature components that designers reuse and improve to show continual evolution and improvement over time;
the inclusion of efficient services that reduce demand and operational cost due to on-site services provided;
good craftsmanship that implies high level and good quality design; and
the use of readily available materials which contributes to sustainability as materials are locally sourced and can be replaced easily.
These characteristics can be applied in all the building typologies. For the slab block typology there is an extra one in overdesign capacity where changes in conditions can be accommodated due to components being designed over the designated capacity.
4.4 Simplicity and legibility
Components and construction methods when simplified and legible allow change to occur more readily and easily. The three building typologies can all benefit from the building characteristics that support this strategy. Using standardized components improves quality due to repetition, maximizes interchangeability, and promotes reusability and replaceability. Standard component locations improve building legibility as building components can be easily located. Off-site construction as is typical in prefabricated systems offers a high level of cleanliness and precision [27] that also improves building legibility. Buildings also benefit from a simple construction method commonly resulting from a simple, legible structural system.
4.5 Loose fit
This design strategy establishes a ‘loose’ relationship between program and space. It goes beyond what is considered the minimal standard or requirement. While this could be partially implemented in the row house typology, this strategy is most effective in the slab block typology. The characteristics of this system include open spaces undisturbed with immovable objects, support spaces necessary for functional support, and oversized spaces that are larger than the market spaces or functional necessity but provide the potential for further growth later.
4.6 Spatial planning
Through spatial planning, spatial options are provided for occupants allowing the building to be used differently. All building typologies will generally utilize some kind of typology pattern that is universally recognized. Spatial zones create spatial clusters containing similar types of spaces like wet and dry zones in residential buildings. Spatial proximity encourages a central location or that elements related to each other should be close to one another. Geometrically simple plans made up of linear or rectangular shapes help with furnishing. Standard structural grids help to align various physical building elements more effectively, and simple forms make for easy subdivision and extension as needed. Open spaces common in slab block buildings are strongly related to joinable/divisible space however, other factors determine its effectiveness [28].
4.7 Passive techniques
Passive techniques take advantage of a building's surroundings to reduce or remove the need for mechanical systems. Additional heating, cooling, and ventilation options are provided, based on the building characteristics. While these characteristics function independently, they are highly interwoven. All building typologies are encouraged to have multiple ventilation strategies either naturally or mechanically. A shallow plan depth will support natural ventilation and allow most spaces to have good daylighting. Passive climate control reduces the need to control the internal environment mechanically. Detached houses can take advantage of their form as there is more freedom to decide the building orientation based on optimal natural conditions.
4.8 Unfinished design
This deals with the possibility of adding onto or ‘completing’ a layer or aspect of a building. Space to grow into considers strategies that extend the building further than its original boundaries. User customization is regarding a space that is finished but is designed to allow the user to take ownership based on personal preference. While these can be accomplished in all housing typologies, phased requires a professional to come in to complete the space before it can be used. Various users may occupy the building at different times and stages in a slab block building, making this a possibility in that housing typology [29].
4.9 Maximize building use
This strategy aims to improve the efficiency of use and the overall timeframe in which the building is used. The three housing typologies can all accommodate multifunctional spaces, which are large open areas that can be used for various activities. The other characteristics are most naturally applied to the slab block typology. Use differentiation is common in these buildings as they can have a mixture of uses and these mixed-use buildings are often accompanied by mixed demographics. The user profile of the slab block typology denotes multiple tenants that may operate under mixed tenure agreements. Shared ownership encourages tenants to take responsibility and utilize their facilities better, reducing specificity to which a space is defined [30]. These characteristics are often combined with multiple access points.
Two other design strategies categorized as building character and contextual are briefly highlighted respectively in the following sentences. Aesthetics appeals to the appreciation of its users and society by utilizing the building's image form and narrative. The multiple scales strategy includes aspects of the site and the buildings surrounding area.
5 Results and discussion
Based on the studied design strategies, the research goes further by categorizing the various housing typologies based on the strategies each typology most easily accommodates. This is presented in Table 1. The results visualized in the table present slab block houses as the most adaptable housing typology, as most of the design strategies that must be considered when designing for adaptability can be applied to this typology.
Categorization of design strategies against housing typologies
| Design strategy | Building characteristic | Detached houses | Row or terraced houses | Slab block houses |
| Modularity | Reversible | x | ||
| Movable stuff | x | |||
| Component accessibility | x | |||
| Functional separation | x | |||
| Design ‘in’ time | Configurable stuff | x | x | x |
| Multifunctional components | x | x | x | |
| Service zones | x | |||
| Not precious | x | |||
| Long life | Durability | x | x | x |
| Mature components | x | x | x | |
| Efficient services | x | x | x | |
| Good craftsmanship | x | x | x | |
| Readily available materials | x | x | x | |
| Overdesign capacity | x | |||
| Simplicity and legibility | Standardized components | x | x | x |
| Standard component locations | x | x | x | |
| Off-site construction | x | x | x | |
| Simple construction method | x | x | x | |
| Loose fit | Open space | x | ||
| Support space | x | |||
| Oversize space | x | |||
| Spatial planning | Typology pattern | x | x | x |
| Spatial zones | x | x | x | |
| Spatial proximity | x | x | x | |
| Simple plans | x | x | x | |
| Standard structural grids | x | x | x | |
| Simple forms | x | x | x | |
| Joinable/divisible space | x | |||
| Passive techniques | Multiple ventilation strategies | x | x | x |
| Shallow plan depth | x | x | x | |
| Passive climate control | x | x | x | |
| Good daylighting | x | x | x | |
| Building orientation | x | |||
| Unfinished design | Space to grow into | x | x | x |
| User customization | x | x | x | |
| Phased | x | |||
| Maximize building use | Multifunctional spaces | x | x | x |
| Use differentiation | x | |||
| Mixed demographics | x | |||
| Multiple/mixed tenure | x | |||
| Shared ownership | x | |||
| Multiple access points | x |
6 Conclusion
Based on the conducted analysis, this paper concludes that the slab block housing typology naturally accommodates most of the design strategies that facilitate building adaptability. Adaptability is vital to achieving sustainability in urban settings. This research presents adaptability strategies for urban housing. It suggests the adoption of the slab block housing typology in Europe over other housing typologies wherever possible to provide sustainable urban housing.
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