Aim of the research- The study intends to establish design understanding of the transitioning of open/semi-open spaces in the domestic realm from ground level to multilevel dwellings looking at the evolution of such spaces with respect to the nature of open or semi-open space. Abstract- Semi-open space is an intermediate spatial segment connecting open and enclosed spaces. The evolution of semiopen space in the domestic realm has evolved differently in different parts of the world. The existence of such spaces in the domestic realm is witnessed since the Indus Valley civilization in the form of courtyards and terraces. The semiopen interface is translated in various ways in imperial built forms like Jharokhas, courtyards, Barsati and Chajjas. The same found its presence in commoners' residences as well. However, after globalization and modernization, residential spaces got translated in the multilevel apartments where balconies act as semi-open spaces in residences gained popularity in contemporary times. The balcony is a part of domestic interiors, and the journey of the space can be understood by translation of balcony usage. The balcony is a modified version of bay window, verandas and courtyards of ground-level homes witnessed in multilevel residences of Urban spaces. The emergence and evolution of balconies can only be understood by understanding the tangible and intangible aspects associated with the form and use of semi-open spaces. The balcony is a spatial feature and change in its approach over time reflects the same. A modernist way of looking at a semi-open space in residential space is to segregate spaces by its label; thus balcony is a modernist architectural feature. However, the balcony is not an independent identity. Thus to understand balcony one should understand the relation with adjacent spaces of residences, social, cultural, physiological, climatic and region response which eventually affect the way balcony is designed in current times and understand the social ideology of families in apartments. The usage, form and structure of balconies in Indian and western homes also reflect climatic conditions of the country which confines the scope of the study. The conclusion of the study raises an essential question in term of the domain in practices. Semi-open spaces have been responding to the lives of the inhabitants where nature of space is derived from lives of people, context and availability of technology. However, sometimes, instead of lifestyle inspiring nature of space, nature of space suggest the way of the use of that space and which is in the domain of architects to create the built-form, hence create suitable semi-open space in residence. Interior designers are provided with enclosed space to make it efficient for use with respect people, context and technology regardless.
Introduction: Semi-open spaces in multilevel Planes or spatial elements of enclosed space are perforated, opened or one of the planes shifted to open up the enclosed space.
A Dwelling defines stability or settlement which is confined according to the residents’ aspirations. The permeability of closed space is considered to be a semi-open space or the extrusion of opening plane in perpendicular axis. Semi-open space becomes the medium for light and sight thus acts as a inside-outside connector. It is an integral part of spatial organization and usage. The research tries to consider the nature of various spaces only as it is labeled differently region or tradition wise. The factors affecting the ultimate use and form of semi-open space is taken into consideration which include people, context and technology hence this becomes the framework of study.
Open and semiopen spaces in domestic interiors
5 variations in Western context
Multi-level dwelling spaces
Ground level dwelling spaces
Hygiene (Epidemics), social-cultural, regional, climatic, psychological, physiological, aesthetic factors .
Historic times Vernacular approach
Modern times Globalized approach or designer’s interpretation of historic spaces
Covered
Enclosed from one side
Settlements to civilizations
Semi-covered
Enclosed from two side
Unite d’ Habitation by Le Corbusier
Bridge balcony connecting two towers Standing balcony
Enclosed from three side
Trelick tower By Erno Goldfinger
Double volume extension of living space
With or without overhead cover
Transformation of Grand Parc by Lacaton & Vassal architectes
Open Terrace accessed from every interior space
Balcony larger than living space
As an Extended interior space
Private and shared balcony
Mountain dwelling By Bjarke Ingels Group
Volumetric variation
Long Summer room balconies as an extension of old residential building structure
Closed space with quality of open space
Notion of sight of the surrounding from the living space of early settlements and civilizations.
5th BC to 15th AD
5th BC
Open
16th to 19th AD
Kanchanjanga apartment By Charles Correa
Asian games village By Raj Rewal
Multi-Storeyed Flats By Habib Rehman Alternately cantilevered balconies as an extension of bedrooms
Sublime Ordinariness housing project By DCOOP Architects
luxurious double volume covered terrace garden
Terraces resultant of shape grammar
shared balconies acting as corridors
Ishatvam-9 By Sanjay Puri Architects twisted cubicle balconies giving sense of open terrace
Case study analysis Aangan in Hut
Terraces of Socio-cultural and climatic aspect Inward looking courtyard Chettinad Portuguese influenced outward Otla as social thresold in Pol Mauryans and in Jharokhas and Naalukettu house looking houses with verandah house Mughals Indian space have gradual hierarchy in closed, semi-open and open spaces. The spaces not only provides extra volume to the adjacent spaces but also accommodate special activities of day-to-day. Semi-open spaces become the social threshold of the residence. The climatic and social trends were the major driving factors in the transitioning of semi-open spaces.
In the West
8th BC to 5th AD
5th to 13th AD
Unite d’ Habitation Marseille, France by Le Corbusier in 1952
Living area
18th to 19th AD
13th to 17th AD
bedroom-2
Balcony
Context
Interface as outer skin
Technology
bedroom-1 Dinning area and kitchen
Physical and immediate access
Visual access only
Brise-soleil in the façade cuts the light and breaks double volume into comfortable human scale.
North-south facing
Spatial layout and zoning Openings and epidemics in Europe
Window
Bay window
Long Gallery
Loggia
Balcony
Haussmann’s urban planning Cast Social trends iron in late 18th century
Gaudi’s sculptural balcony
People
The renaissance and Art nouveau period comprises of variety from bay window, long gallery, loggia and balcony. Each space has special purpose and activity associated. The balconies became part of living culture and trends as balcony was a mandatory spatial feature of European residences.
20th and 21st century AD Section
Approx. 1.75 m
Keywords Semi-open space, domestic interiors, multilevel dwelling, space evolution, nature of space
The multilevel housing projects designed by renowned architects and designers built after 1900s is taken further to inquire the variations in interpretations of semi-open spaces and the approach to provide a space to its potiential. So 5 projects from western context and 5 from Indian context. The variation include volumetric variation, private-semi-private space, variation in adjacency and proportion of semi-open space with respect to enclosed space.
5 variations in Indian context
Casa Rustici By Giuseppe Terragni and Pietro Lingeri
Why the way they are ?
Time-line: evolution of open and semi-open space over time in domestic spaces In India
Case study: Balcony and terraces in Multilevel housing projects
Types of balcony
Approx. 4 m
Transitioning of Semi-open space in Multilevel Domestic realm
Sleeping porches during Hygiene movement
Dwelling in Industrial Revolution and Baby cage- Hacks to get sun- Balcony for better living exposure Balcony as a luxury Multilevel community living
Availability of Air -Conditioning
Open plan layout- blurred Modern material lines between indoors and mechanism and outdoors
Balcony confined from three sides Direction of View
L-shaped module apartments creating double volume balcony and living space. Virtual junction where living area becomes the physical connector. The balcony is connected along the width of the apartment, which provided the possibility to extend living space or dinning space activities out in the open, according to the inhabitants’ aspirations.
Section
Housing for people dislocated from World war 2 with good quality lifestyle. The double-height space emphasizes an open volume rather than space being an open plan.
Plan
Conclusion Drasti Patel
UI0615 Guided by Prof. Supriya Kukreja
Decline in usage of space Bachelor of Interior Design Undergraduate Thesis Spring Semester 2020
Observed usage of balcony in Covid-19 Pandemic
Later, Balcony formally labeled in residential layout. Industrial revolution and Urbanization created housing crisis. Which provided opportunities for new ways of fulfilling the basic requirement of having view, light and ventilation. And accesses to that is considered a luxury. The same understanding is used in mass constructed apartments where the floor area is given priority rather then the sensibility towards its use. The technology has attracted people indoors but has also changed the quality of spaces with modern materials and controlled mechanisms. But the same has suddenly become a platform to connect socially in COVID-19 pandemic.
Balcony and terrace Spatial feature Resultant of architectural design process
Interior design process
Sensibility towards mental and physical wellbeing
One of the Functional amenities in residential setting
Design of semi-open space is to challenge the spatial confinement of a dwelling without compromising everyday comfort.
The semi-open spaces like balcony and terrace in multilevel domestic spaces are usually resultant of architectural process but should be a part of Interior design process. A balcony must be included in functional amenities like living, dining and kitchen spaces. The space needs to sensible towards mental and physical wellbeing. The interior spaces requires to be more free from visual confinement creating permeable space which provide multi-functional quality and flexibility to adjacent spaces without compromising privacy, sense of territory and belonging. The research can be taken further to question the conventional confined residences post covid-19 pandemic.