Adaptation of the Taiwanese rowhouse with computer application in the design process

Abstract

This study proposes an approach to the preservation of the spirit of traditional Chinese architecture and its adaptation to the current context and living style. For this purpose, the rowhouse type which emerged in the past for reasons of economic land use and survived through the moderni~ation has been selected to illustrate this approach. In order to achieve this objective in the actual process of design, a computer application has been developed as a vehicle for communication between various participants. This study is developed into 4 parts: 1. Analysis and Description of Traditional Rowhouse Type: This part introduces the historic context of the traditional rowhouse type and its major character. By the observation and analysis of existing rowhouses in the Taiwan area, certain principles of the type have been founded. 2. Change and New Requirement: This part deals with the change of the family structure and living style during the modernization process in Taiwan and their effect to the dwelling environment. The new existing rowhouse type is also examined to find the new conventions used by current inhabitants in contemporary context. 3. The Development of New Rowhouse Type: In this part, 2 steps are used to apply the principles found earlier to physical design. In the first step, SAR methodology is used as a base to reflect the selected rules on the relevant elements. Using these elements, basic units for the composition of houses are established. The second step uses the rule of "combination" (also generated from the analysis) to construct a layer (from basic units) or a completed rowhouse (from layers). A facade system and a dwelling block example are also developed to illustrate the living environment of the rowhouse type. 4. Computer Application: In this part a proposal for computer system is developed relating to the various levels of decision making and serving the various parties in the design process. A demonstration of the interaction between machine and users is also included.