Housing Innovation Lab

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Polyvalent Housing

An occupant-centered approach to reducing individual space needs and recurring material flows in high- and low-density housing
Overview

This research explores the limitations of traditional apartment design which often follows standardized layouts. While this approach is cost-effective, it fails to accommodate diverse occupant needs. The study proposes alternative design solutions that emphasize architectural elements like room size, relationships, and layout structure. It explores changefulness as a permanent condition that facilitates optimal housing solutions for the occupant while minimizing individual space needs and reducing recurring remodeling efforts and material flows.  

This project explores how to increase polyvalence in an existing building. The retrofit proposal incorporates the interchangeability of activities through balanced room sizes, movable space dividers, and multiplying circulation routes and room access. This can help mitigate privacy and daylight concerns through the window and respond to changes in household composition.

 
Image by Marlee Barnes, Marcos Escamilla-Guerrero & Juan Agustín Rivera Gonzalez de Cosio 
 

Exploring minimal space needs and spatial flexibility as strategies to convert small timber barns into single- and multi-occupant dwellings.

 
Image by HiLab | YUE Linda LIN

Testing modular mega-furniture and different space dividers.

 
Image by HiLab | YUE Linda LIN
Team

Eddy Liu

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