FREEDOM OF SPACE

MIDHUN V. R.

ABSTRACT:
We live in a society which changes rapidly. Earlier a house was designed for specific
user. But today build and sell houses are dominating the world. Houses became a
predesigned space were people are forced to accommodate.
A solution for such problems can be flexible designs with transformable spaces and
open plans. Such designs allow the user to modify the space with time and use.
This dissertation analyse the flexible house designs, open plans and the effective
traditional special distributions.
INTRODUCTION:
A large space could be divided into small divisions to suit nature of activities and
purpose. Functional requirements of different Space Dividing Elements are different,
depending on the space and the activities required to be segregated. Fixed
arrangements will give proper privacy to individuals, but will act as physical and
visual barrier. Such arrangements will reduce human interaction and user freedom.
The user is forced to live according to the designed space.
In the case of apartments and villas which are made without considering the user and
his function, such fixed arrangements may not work properly. They only provide
basic requirements such as number of bedrooms, kitchen, living and dining space.
Such structure cant adapt to the changing needs of the users.
Now architects are implementing flexibility, adaptability and open space to provide
freedom of space to the user. Thus buildings that can adapt to the changing needs of
user are designed. According Schneider and Till flexibility as accommodating change
in housing, addresses a number of issues related with the current and future needs of
the users. Firstly, it offers variety in the architectural layout of the units. Secondly, it
includes adjustability and adaptability of housing units over time. And finally, it
allows buildings to accommodate new functions. In order to provide flexibility,
architects should consider the possible future needs of users during the design
process. It points to freedom of choice.
There should be a dynamic condition which offers diversity. This allows a user or
inhabitant to manipulate or control that which the designer has provided. Such a
condition allows the individual to become engaged with or a part of the architecture.

AIM:
The aim of the dissertation is to study and analyse the user freedom in designed
space.
OBJECTIVE:

To study about the effect of predesigned spaces in a changing society.

To study about the importance of flexible spaces.

To analyse the traditional way of special distribution.

To study about open spaces and its importance on human interaction.

THE EVOLUTION
The first home ever built by man was probably a shelter among the rocks. From
being merely a shelter, the design of a house has come to express ideas about space,
aesthetics, custom and culture. As a result new dimensions of mobility and
complexity in many science and education have been made by human. Light
weighted dynamic structures have been created and utilized by human beings since
long time ago.(bones and skins of
huge animals such as mammoths)It is rightly
said that the "man builds houses, but houses mould man". Today the position of
shelter is linked with the improvement of the quality of life.
THE PURPOSE
The word "housing" is understood narrowly to dwelling without regarding other
things which go to acceptable dwelling place in modem times' housing has broader
which include not only residential building but also its environment. Smith defines
housing unit as "a collection of facilities for the exclusive use of separate social group
called a household and that the set facilities involved in this concepts seems to
changing fairly predictable ways as general living standard rises.
MODERN CONTEST
Today, the modern dynamic citizen finds himself in dynamic, ever changing
environment. By its nature, mankind has always been transient, to varying degrees
through the history. What has changed with the time, and what we can witness today
is the speed and scale at which the increasing restlessness occurs. In order for modern
architecture to serve the contemporary society, it must embrace and respond to the
state of constant transfer, exchange, relocation and adaptation, - the qualities evolved
by contemporary societies.

Flexibility
The concept of flexibility is an important concern in the design of housing. Flexibility
refers to the idea of accommodating change over time. Thus, flexible housing
corresponds to housing that can adapt to the changing needs of users (Till &
Schneider, 2005). The concept of flexibility is covered by the recent architecture,
although it is not a recent term, it has been used since the past times. Many dwellings,
which were built in the traditional methods, have flexible characteristics such as
multi-functionality, adaptability and variability.
Adaptation
Charles Darwin said: It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most
intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change. One of the
most important lessons we can learn from nature is adaptability, it is ability to alter to
changes or be changed to fit current circumstances. Adaptability in architecture is
defined as an ability to recognise that the future is not finite, that change is
inevitable, but that a framework is an important element in allowing that change to
happen
Transformation
I want to reinvent the built environment in order to extend the reach of
consciousness. In this way Michael Jantzen voiced his idea of transformation.
Transformable buildings are able to change their shape, space, appearance by the
physical alteration to their structural components, outer shell or internal surfaces.
Truly transformable architecture must enable a dramatic alteration in the character of
the whole architectural environment. This is architecture that opens, closes, expands
or contracts. Introducing transformation characteristics to a stationary building
brings something magical about this performance a building becomes kinetic at a
touch of a button. By simple or more complicated operation building changes its form
and gives the impression of being alive.
Interaction
In an architectural world interactive architecture positioned as a type of architecture
that performs interaction between the building, people and appliances. It merges
physical interaction of environment with people and interactive design, where the
mind moves through abstract spaces. To a great extent, the interactive design depends
on the technological system employed in the creation of the interactive building.
Buildings interact when they respond to the users requirements in automatic or
intuitive ways, and when people become participants instead of users. Facades that
are programmed for change represent the process of creating dynamic spaces and
objects capable of performing a range of pragmatic and humanistic functions.

FREEDOM OF SPACE
Architects are the designers of life. They design buildings, it may be a living space or
a public space. He controls the function and quality of the space. A space can be used
in many ways, it depends upon the user. Still user has limits in a designed space.
Every house is designed by someone considering the function and lifestyle of its user.
But in modern society a lot of people are migrating to places for better job and
education. In such cases they will buy or rent some existing houses. They have no
other option. These houses may be build by someone for some other purpose. But
people are not concerned about the design. They will look mainly into the cost,
location and facility. Thus the user will adjust into the space which suits their current
requirement. This is what happening in our society. Even the culture and lifestyle of
people change, the building will remain same. There comes the importance of flexible
spaces.
By freedom of space its not only the freedom to transform the space, but also the
circulation freedom, visual freedom and usage freedom. The houses we see today are
designed with specific functions. The function will change by time and user. Hence
the design will lose its impact with time. The circulation space provided is 25% in
most of the houses. Its said that more circulation will affect the function. Thus
wastage of space will increase. These kind of standardised thoughts are the driving
force of todays house designs.
In modern society we need to find the solution for current problems. As we are
adapting western life style we should also find architectural solutions from them. In
countries like Japan they are experimenting on open plans and temporary partitions.
Such buildings with permanent structure and temporary interior help the user to
modify the space in future. Hence we have to design for modern contest considering
the future. At present living together is an increasing trend. Hence the designs should
change with change in user. For a living together couple there is no need of privacy or
huge space. A single open space will help them to get close to each other. It may
strengthen their relationship. Small house designs by takaharu tezuka are perfect
examples for this. The box house on a cliff is a small house with 99.46 sqm area. The
house is single box structure with movable partitions.
There is no wastage of space and the space can be transformed with time and user.
The building is a perfect example for flexible space. The house is totally segregated
from the surroundings. The design provides no view towards front and both sides.
Thus it has total privacy from outside. But inside its a single space which is
connected to the nature with the wide view. The space can be used by a single person
or a couple. But its not enough for a family with children. The house satisfies the
entire requirement for a user free space, such as flexibility, adaption, transformation

and interaction. Any user can modify the space at any time. But the number of user is
maximum 2 for an effective space.

OPEN PLAN
"Le Corbusier", modern architecture, proposed his quintuple principles in the early
20th century that one of them is known as "Plan Libre". "Domino house" was
designed using this principle in 1914. The plan included flat plates (as floor and roof),
some pillar supports (to stand against level loads) and stairs to connect levels
together. No inner walls were included except for space partitioning. So inner walls
could be located wherever required that result in absolute liberalization in form and
design flexibility. According to traditional construction techniques, load-bearing
walls should determine the interior organization of the rooms on each floor.
CASE STUDY 1 - ROOF HOUSE TAKAHARU TEZUKA
The design of the house is such that it opens into the infinity through the roof. The
roof is accessible from every room. Each room has a skylight which opens into the
roof with a ladder. Glass partitions are used for interior and exterior walls; hence the
interior feels so spacious. The total area of the house is 100sq m. Even its a small
house we wont feel congested because of the open spaces and glass partitions. As
each room has a skylight, the space opens horizontally and vertically into the
surroundings. It provides more openness to the building.
The family uses the rooftop for cooking and dining every day. The roof top also acts
as an interactive space for the family. It connects each room in the house and also the
people. Thus it increases interaction between the family members. There is only a
partition wall on the roof which gives the family privacy from the neighbouring
houses. The roof is not steep hence its safe to be around. Therefore there is no
handrail. Not only on the roof, but also inside the house the space is visually open.
Hence it will connect each user in the house and the user can see every activity
happening inside the house. As a family the parents and the children will be much
closer in this house, as there is less partitions to separate them.
CASE STUDY 2 - SCHRODER HOUSE - GERRIT RIETVELD
The house is one of the first examples for flexible living space. It was built in 1924.
At that time most of the buildings were following traditional building elements and
spaces. Apart from that architect Gerrit Rielveld experimented such a flexible design.
The clients requirement was to bring her family together. After the death of her
husband she wanted to build a strong relationship with her children. For that the
house should connect people with more interaction spaces and connection with each
space in it. Architect Gerrit Reitveld solved it perfectly.
The ground floor of the house occupies spaces for sleeping, reading, working and
kitchen. The hall act as the core space of the ground floor which connects all the

rooms. Most of the rooms can be accessed from outside also. Ground floor is a well
designed space with proper connections. Only the reading room feels separated from
other spaces, for privacy. The circulation of the ground floor is such that it connects
all the spaces inside. Its also connected from outside also. This allows the user to
move freely through the spaces. It increases the interaction between the users as they
are all connected.
First floor is mainly used for working, sleeping, living and dining. But the functions
can be changed, as the space is flexible. The partitions provided in first floor are
temporary. With the help of movable partitions the space can be transformed
according to its use. When the partitions are opened first floor act as a large single
space. Hence the user has the freedom to modify the space with time and use. Even in
case if another user occupies the building, the new user can transform it according to
his use. It was a revolutionary design which influenced the modern housing. First
floor satisfies the clients requirement, as it does not segregate the spaces it will
increase the user interaction. It helps to bring the family closer.
CASE STUDY 3 - SREEPADHAM PALACE TRIVANDRUM
The house is small compared to other nalukettu houses in kerala. But the open spaces
inside the building give the user circulation and visual freedom. There are four entries
into the building 3 from east and one from north. Two entries are to kitchen, one to
main hall and one to side corridor. When we enter into the building through the
kitchen it will direct us to the courtyard and main kitchen. Its one of the speciality of
the building the user have more circulation options. We are not directed through a
specific path inside the building. The courtyard itself provides free circulation. The
only private spaces in the building are the four small rooms at western side of the
building which is supposed to be bedrooms. All the other rooms have 2 or more
openings which allow more circulation. There is a stretched veranda throughout the
exterior wall.
About 70% of the building is open space. Rest 30% is enclosed with walls. Hence
even the building is small it doesnt feel congested inside. Almost all the activities
happening in the building can be seen from the courtyard. Hence it acts as the core of
the building. The only private space in the building is the bedroom space. Hence it
provide enough privacy and increases interaction between the users. The building
stands on a framed structure. The building has load bearing stone pillars were load
from huge wooden beams are transferred. The load from roof is transferred to the
pillars through these wooden beams. Thus the structure has no major problems. The
use of columns and wooden beams helps to decrease the use of load bearing walls.
This provides more open spaces. The use of wooden partitions gives visual
transparency. The structure is segregated from the exterior without giving any
windows on eastern side, but less segregated inside to give maximum openness, to
make it more spacious.

The maximum number of openings in the building increases the circulation inside.
We can move freely through the space, there is no specific path to any room. We can
see this in the diagram above. Only the bedrooms and the room at south have dead
ends in circulation (only one door). All the other rooms have more than 2 doors
which allow more circulation.
The house also has an attic space which can be accessed from the main hall and
kitchen. The building has fewer openings to outside and is open at inside. This helps
to provide more privacy from outside. The function of the house is also believed to
accommodate ladies during their time of pregnancy. Hence privacy is essential as
they are not allowed to touch their husbands during that time. The design satisfies this
requirement without compromising the air circulation and openness. Open spaces
helps proper air circulation inside. This reduces the temperature inside the building
and keeps it cool.
GUDELINES:
By analysing the three case studies I found some factors which will help to increase
the user freedom in designed spaces. My suggestions for freedom space are follows.

Flexible spaces will help the user to modify the space according to time and use.

Temporary partitions such as movable/folding walls will help the user to expand the
room into a single space.

Temporary partitions will also help to transform the space in future.

Open plans also provide more circulation and visual freedom to the user.

Open plans will increase the interaction between the users.

By providing central courtyard or a hall space which connects all the rooms in a
house will be helpful to connect the spaces and thus the people.

An open central courtyard which opens into sky will provide more light and
ventilation inside the building; hence it will help to increase the activities in the living
space as it feels so lively.

Skylights can be used to connect the rooms to the roof, thus the roof can be used as an
external living space which connects all the rooms.

The use of glass partitions will help to give visual transparency were people can see
each other.

By increasing the connection between rooms with doors will help the user to circulate
freely in the space; it will help to increase the interaction.

Multi functional spaces can be provided by using movable partitions.

Such factors will help to increase the user freedom in designed space. The user will
have an option to modify or to use the space accordingly. By applying such factors in
build and sell houses will help different users to use the space according to their
functions.

CONCLUSIONS:
The focus of this dissertation has been on some of the architectural and social issues
of the modern society. By studying some buildings, the aim was to answer the
question of how to provide user freedom in a designed space. In order to achieve the
goal I analysed three buildings, the roof house, Schroder house and sreepadham
palace, investigating their different approaches in user freedom.
The first two buildings were in foreign contest and sreepadam palace is the study of
how our traditional spaces provide user freedom. The main problem we face today is
that the buildings cant adapt change with time.

The roof house is designed by Ar Takaharu Tezuka. The design satisfies all the
requirements of the client. And gives the option to transform the space in future, by
giving movable partitions. The building connects the people horizontally and
vertically through glass partitions and skylight. All the rooms have connection to the
roof. The roof is the main interactive space of the building.

Schroder house is designed by Ar Gerrit Rietveld. The important features of this

house are connectivity of changing space functions and ability of separating and
rejoining of volumes by using movable partitions. The basic requirements of the
households as much as privacy needed can be obtained by the ability of conversion.
The main living area has open plan and free structural system that gives ability of
space changing.

Sreepadham palace was build during 15th century. The purpose of the building was to
accommodate royal ladies. Hence the building provides enough privacy from outside.
And inside the space is open. The spaces are freely connected which gives more
circulation freedom. The seen through wooden partitions provide openness. The
building has no flexible technology, but still it provides the user freedom of motion
and openness. By using open corridors, courtyard and seen through partitions. The
open space increases interaction. The house is still relevant in modern society. A
modern family can easily fit into the house.
By analysing the three buildings i came to a conclusion that flexible spaces will give
the user total freedom. Not only flexible spaces open plans also give the user a certain
amount of freedom, such as circulation and visual freedom. Such spaces will increase
the interaction between people and are effective all the time.