Strategies for Flexibility in Housing in Response to Changing Family Patterns

During the lifespan of a nuclear family expansions and contractions usually occur in the size. The present paper aims to study flexibility approaches in order to exploit them to offer strategies in response to family pattern changes in contemporary families. The core question here is whether it is possible to design a housing unit which can correspond with family size expansions and contractions., and what possible features can help boost flexibility. The research approach is qualitative, and as theoretical debates go along traditional and modern house case studies and analyses, applied results are intended. The stages of change in nuclear families are studied here and spatial needs are proposed for each stage. In order to materialise spatial expansion and contraction, division and merging strategies are employed here. According to the paper’s analyses the prerequisite to divideability and mergeability is the independence of each domestic zone in their access to the entrance, kitchen and sanitary services. Plans enjoying such features are usually well-balanced in terms of locations of the above services. Furthermore, the adjustability in interiors of connections between multi-functional spaces can yield a responsiveness to necessary changes. The analyses also find that in order to materialise expandability it is necessary to pay attention to identity and place-bound characteristics of the design before and after the extension. It is appropriate, thus, that the extendable zone is up to a third of floor area and have suitable depth. It is also appropriate that this zone adjoins the existing building on at least two sides, paying attention to effective, direct connection with the building interior. The paper concludes with a pictorial diagram showing the results of the research.