Thesis (MArch) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research Architecture Department

Includes bibliography (sheets 95-102)

ABSTRACT The issue of housing deficit within the built environment, in general, is something that has been problematic since the industrial revolution and the aftermath of World War II. This housing challenge is becoming more challenging, especially within the urban centres, due to massive rural-urban migration. The notion of apartment housing flexibility within the scope of architecture has been in development since the 19th century. Many professionals, practitioners and scholars proposed numerous housing flexibility models containing variables that aid in designing and achieving flexibility within apartment dwellings. Nevertheless, those variables have been developed independently based on subjectivities and objectivities of the given context. Over time, those variables have been proven to be ineffective, thus leading to nowhere in terms of flexibility efficiency. This thesis strived and documented and established a compressive theoretical framework under a single umbrella suitable for analysis, evaluation and design of apartment flexibility, while focusing specifically on post-occupancy phase of the contemporary apartment buildings. Under the umbrella of qualitative research methodology, a documented analysis of the literature review was carried out, and a conceptual approach was defined. The established research aims and objectives were to determine and established a framework that will ensure spatial flexibility of apartment units during the post-occupancy phase. Using the newly occulated and assembled variables, a selected case study of Darwaza housing apartment was selected based on the established case study selection criteria, and it was analysed and evaluated based on the variables (Architectural Plan Lay-out, Usage and Geometry, Construction, Extendible Units, Furnishing for Flexible Use, Open Plan, Prefabricate Modules and common space between adjacent units). During the analysis, it was noted that the architectural layout, structural system and geometry aid in achieving spatial flexibility during the post-occupancy phase of the apartments. However, structural system, prefabricated modules, construction, open plan and common space between adjacent units appeared to be inflexible, thus rendering the building inflexible. Using this conceptual framework, the thesis analyses the chosen instances in terms of how they fit into the larger context of apartment spatial flexibility within apartment units during the post-occupancy phase. In conclusion, it was gathered that the framework is suitable for the analysing since it uses an assembled variety of variables that seeks to evaluate spatial flexibility during post-occupancy phase. Keywords: Apartment Units; Flexibility; Post-Occupancy Phase; Spatial Flexibility; Spatial Configuration.