Organism of options : a design strategy for flexible space

Abstract

The need for "flexibility" of architecture has been increasing as recent social demands are rapidly changing. However, many buildings designed in the name of flexibility are blocky, boring, and actually quite inflexible because of incomplete systems, or simple bad planning. A space is designed and built to fulfill a certain request, and in order to perform properly, the space needs to be equipped with the proper systems such as lighting, acoustics, structural system, etc. At the same time, the segregation of functions, or the blind obedience of spatial organization to functions can potentially eliminate the true multi-functionality of a space. The double interpretations of spatial flexibility-- for function, for adaptation-- comprises a primary concern for me. On March 16, 2007, Junior High School 13 (M013) in Harlem, Manhattan was considered by the city of New York for closing. Under the existing education segregation problem in Manhattan, the shutting down of a school in Harlem does not only mean a failure of one institution, but it would further result in deterioration of nearby schools as a result of increased overcrowding. Additionally, considering the fact that the neighborhood school used to function as a community space in Harlem, the absence of M013 would make the community condition worse. Because of this, I propose a community-centered school by associating it with the concept of flexibility. The flexibility in this new architecture can be achieved by effectively arranging spaces and by manipulating the relationship between spaces. The flexibility does not result from the interchangeability or variability of the space, but from the changing the relationship between functions.