FLEXIBLE
ACCOMMODATION
CONTENTS AREEYA IRENE JAMIESON BA INTERIOR DESIGN YEAR 3 UNIT 9
Q u estio n ... 8
Sto rag e So lu tio n s ... 86
In tro d u c tio n ... 10
Pro g ramme Prec ed en c e ... 90
Pro g ramme Pro p o sal ... 12
In terven tio n ... 98
Desig n Strateg y ... 14
Typ o lo g ies ... 102
Wearab le Ob jec t ... 16
1: 100 Flo o r P lan s ... 116
M an ifesto ... 22
1: 100 Elev atio n s ... 122
U sers ... 24
Ro u te M ap p in g ... 128
B ehavio u rism ... 28
Area Desig n atio n ... 138
G lo ssary ... 34
Tec hn o lo g y ... 144
The Site ... 40
Desig n In terven tio n ... 146
The B u ild in g ... 50
M ateriality ... 156
Exp erimen ts ... 56
Pro g ramme So lu tio n ... 80
Details ... 74
Real Wo rld Imp ac t ... 176
Sp ac e M ap p in g ... 80
Co n c lu sio n ... 178
QUESTION
Is it possible to design a multifunctional, shared space for different user groups? A flexible student accommodation: As an international student myself I understand the struggles of finding a new place to live during term times and having to move after a lease is over every year. The idea came from the aspect of, where can I keep my belongings while I’m away for the break, going home or travelling. I want to create a new norm for the accommodation sector.
INTRODUCTION
For students who mostly find themselves with no steady income, to live in London is highly expensive. For those students who are new to the city and starting off their first year of University they will often opt for staying in university-specific student accommodations. This type of accommodation is very good choice as it allows the occupiers to meet new people within their communities and get acquainted with the city and the areas around them. Rent for these places are usually exponentially higher as they offer the uses of communal study and social spaces for the students. Depending on the location centrally, it could cost between 150-400 UK Pounds Sterling per calendar week. This is not the most economically sound option as during term breaks and holidays the student still needs to pay for the accommodation. When the students travel or go home their accommodation is left unattended and out of use, but they are still paying the steep rents for them. All they need during these times is a place to store their personal belongings while they are away.
I intend to design a flexible student accommodation for two user groups. A space where students who are studying in London can live long term but which will allow for the room can be rented out while they are away. While the long term tenants are away students who are visiting London can then rent the room and use it short term during the breaks. I want to design a shared student accommodation which has social and private areas within the building. My design method will be to separate the structure into two areas: private and communal. I will do this through designing from the outside perimeters inwards using the modular block method. My plans for the space is that it becomes more like a home and hotel rather than just a university student accommodation. I am interested in how my design and placements of the rooms and social spaces can influence the way of life for my users for those long term and short term students, and how their paths can cross and merge. The three main focus of this project will be: Shared living, Storage, and Flexibility of the space and furniture.
PROGRAMME PROPOSAL
DESIGN STRATEGY
I will be tackling this problem from the outside inwards, meaning I will be starting with the existing site and its surroundings, then developing my design around that.
The investigation will follow the structure of research into the existing site, investigation of the programme, experimenting with design iterations, presenting the outcomes and idea, and lastly the final realisation of the proposal.
WEARABLE OBJECT
Wearable Object in action
Initial Wearable Object Sketch
Mapping of Highrisk areasin the homein relation to phone use
Technology in the Spaces We Inhabit I have mapped routes that we all use in our day to day lives. Due to habitual actions, we go about our days without even thinking about the process. Waking up and checking our phones have become an everyday routine. Technology has fully integrated within our actions and homes. We use our smartphone as an extension of our bodies, and our use of technology is so integrated into our lives that as a result we pay less attention to our environment and surroundings.
Due to the amount of technology in the spaces we inhabit, we tend to be more distracted and careless while living our lives. We can assume that tech can do most of the hard work in our lives.
Phone usage in different parts of the home
Wearable Object Design Drawings
Wearable Object I designed a wearable object that acted as an inclosure for your body. In the age where more attention is paid to technology and smartphones, the idea of space and surrounding is neglected. This object represents the intimate scale within the object and proximity of social distance from its surrounding. This wired egg-shaped dome acts as a roly-poly doll providing the user balance and spacial awareness. It can curate your own livable area while doing day to day tasks.
Wearable Object Sketch on Body
Wearable Object
MANIFESTO
1. A home for students should allow for optimum sleep time which means the bedroom is the most important. 2. A home should be a place of rest, study, and entertainment for you and your friends. 3. A home should allow for multiple people to live and function with separate lives but still be able to socialise when need be. 4. A home should have privacy within your own space. 5. A home for students should allow for multiple functions. 6. A home for students is a shared space between two user groups. 7. A home should be accessible to people of all sizes, meanings helving and cupboards should be a reasonable height, and adjustable. 8. Home allows you to navigate without obstacles through bespoke furniture. 9. A home, especially for students and young adults, should be a place of comfort.
USERS Key Demographic: University Students
Sub Users: Students studying in London (Long term tenants) Students visiting London (Short term tenants)
Narrative A home for students: Short and Longterm - London students (Long term) --> Use during term time --> Stores Items when theyre away
This diagram shows the narrative of example users to demonstrate how the site should allow for the two groups to function and utilise the space at different times. These two characters will act as examples of the user groups throughout this portfolio.
- Non Local students (Short term) --> Use during term breaks when visiting London --> Short Term Stays
- No minimum stay (Flexible space) - Rooms set up via website or app - Set options available - Can personalise to ďŹ t needs - Shared 30 / 70 - short term/longterm - SpeciďŹ c facilities also available to rent out - Showers - Work / Studio Space - Kitchen - Social Space / Events
Users Sacha a socialble art student studying in London - Originally from Russia - Loves to party - Motivated by her work and surroundings Needs: - Comfort for sleep - Large storage for art supplies - Studio space for art making - Social areas to mingle - Quiet area to get inspired - Storage for when she goes home during breaks
Anthony a French Politics student visiting London during the break - Travelling alone - Loves to make new friends Needs: - Place to sleep in between exploring - Short term safe storage - Social areas to interact with others
The Behaviouralism Chart Depening on the Rise and Fall of the Economy, Social Media, and Shared Living Spaces.
BEHAVIOURALISM Trend prediction is an important part of development within the design sector. How society advances socially, economically, and behaviourally can affect how the population live their lives. For younger generations such as university students, there is a lot of pressure with trying to keep up with trends. However, being a student, their income is usually not constant which means that it causes difficulties by trying to fit in.
However, within design, the DIY culture has emerged in this past decade. From taking inspiration from the high-end design and doing on a budget, or even coming up with new and improved design solutions for their current situations.
Shared Living has been a phenomenon that is taking over the accommodation sector. Due to the decline in the economy, less young people can afford their property, or even to take out their mortgage. This has lead to cohabitation which will still allow them to have the luxuries of owning a home while paying less.
The behaviours that have risen within the 21st-century generation is that of social media usage. Which results in how much they care about what their homes look like aesthetically as it will usually be on camera and shared with the world. Hence design has become significantly more important, even in the spaces they share.
Private and Public Spaces
There are two main qualifying differences in types of space: Public and Private. However, some areas may appear to be public but are privately owned. For instance Granary Square in Kings Cross which is right next to the site of Regeneration house. The square itself is open and accessible to all but is managed by a private organization. This means that people can utilise to space as long as they follow the unspoken rules public decency and no vandalism and also no displays of protests of any sort. The space does not give the feeling of a private space but is still controlled.
Going Home
Explore
Going to Uni
Sacha Longterm Tenant Art student
Shopping / Groceries
Dining
CSM 7 ft 1 Min Walk
Getting Art Supplies
Going Out
Kings Cross Tube 0.2 miles 4 min walk
British Library 0.7 miles 14 min walk
Camden 1.1mile 23 min walk
Oxford Street/ Central 18 min tube
Camden Town
Regeneration House Kings Cross
Waitrose Kings Cross
Waitrose 0.1 miles 2 min walk
St. Pancras station 0.4 miles 8 min walk
Euston Station 1.0 mile 20 min walk
Old street / Shortditch 16 min tube ride
St. Pancras Station The British Library
Regent’s Park
Old Street
Explore Sight Seeing
Anthony Shortterm Tenant Politics Student
Shopping
Oxord Circus
Going Out 1km
Dining Socialising
Mind Map of the Narrative User’s Characteristics
Map of Connections into London from Site
GLOSSARY
Flexible
Easily modified, responding to altering circumstances. Adaptable to different requirements and situations. Capable of meeting the needs of two user groups. Multifunctional.
Destinational
The place to which someone or something is
Multifunctional
Having or fulfilling several functions.
Transitional
Relating to or characteristic of a process or
Adaptable
Able to adjust to new conditions
going or being sent
period of transition
Route Map of Site
Hotel
An establishment providing accommodation, meals, and other services for travellers and tourists
Accommodation
A room, group of rooms, or building in which someone may live or stay. A convenient arrangement; a settlement or compromise
Home
The place where one lives permanently, espe-
Symmetry
The quality of being made up of exactly simi-
cially as a member of a family or household
lar parts facing each other or around an axis
Route Map of Site
THE SITE
Lewis Cupitt Park
Everyman On the Corner Cinema
Gas Holders Park Gas Holders
Frame Gym Central Saint Martins Dishoom Restaurant Waitrose Super Market
Coals Drop Yard
The Start of King Pub
Canopy Market Granary Square Brasserie Caravan Restaurant nts
ge
Re
House Of Illustration
na
Ca l
Camley Street Natural Park
Granary Square
The Lighter Man
Tom Dixon Shop
Kings Cross Station
St. Pancras Pancras Squar Leisure
Granger & Co. Restaurant
Map of site and surroundings
Historically the Kings Cross area has had many occupiers and usage. Previously it used to be an industrial and manufacturing area due to its rail links for cargos and transport. Additionally, the Regents canal also allowed for trade and transport via boats to other industrial cities in the North of England in the 19th century. The construction of the rail began in 1849 and continue until 1852. It is now most commonly known for the two large train stations: Kings Cross Station and St. Pancras Station, which their destinations include domestic and international journeys. The tube station is also a link into the city and greater London as it has 6 Underground lines including Northern, Victoria, Piccadilly, Circle, Metropolitan, and Hammersmith & City. Some people see Kings Cross as just a transitional space leading to other destinations, however, it is so much more. The area is bustling with leisure spaces such as restaurants, bars, retail stores, and even major offices such as Youtube and Previously home to the Google headquarters. You can also find Coals drop yard a newly renovated outdoor shopping complex, neighbouring Granary Square. Therefore the Kings Cross area has attracted Travellers and commuters from all around the world.
KINGS CROSS
My selected site for this project is Kings Cross, better known as the central hub of travel for London, too and around the city and abroad. This is always bustling with travellers, commuters, workers, and students as it acts as a transit zone into Central London. Within the area, you will find vast amounts of retail stores, restaurants, cafes, and bars just a walk away from the King’s Cross tube lines and domes.c and international trains from St. Pancras station. This makes the area highly trafficked, by pedestrians and cars. A short stroll from there is the regents’ canal historically used as a trade route, now the buildings around it have been converted into refurbished historical and modern architecture. The building I will be re-designing and intervening in the Regeneration House, or currently known as the Art Fund building and Illustration house. This is located adjacent to a large Waitrose supermarket, not far from Central Saint Martin’s University of Arts London (CSM) and the newly renovated Coals Drop Yard a public shopping complex.
Within the accommodation, the programme activities will include the most important of course room and storage, along with communal social spaces. Space is at a premium in central London so I will be designing with the vertical aspect of building in mind, building up rather than out.
Aerial View of Kings Cross
Gas Holders
Central Saint Martins
Coals Drop Yard
House Of Illustration C ts
n ge Re
Granary Square
al
an
Tom Dixon Shop
Location Due to its central location, the House of Illustration, also known
St. Pancras
as Regeneration House is ideal for the type of student accom-
Kings Cross Station
Notable structures in the area
modation I am designing. The site is surrounded by notable structures such as the King’s Cross and St. Pancras station, and Central St. Martin University. There are also green spaces in the area, this is important as the site is in the city and these areas allow for a change of scenery and exercise.
Lewis Cupitt Park
Gas Holders Park
House Of Illustration Camley Street Natural Park
Green spacesin the area
Everyman On the Corner Cinema
Frame Gym Dishoom Restaurant Waitrose Super Market
The Start of King Pub
Canopy Market Granary Square Brasserie Caravan Restaurant
House Of Illustration
nts ge Re Ca l
na
The Lighter Man
Location Food and leisure areas are spread across the Kings Cross area. For students and tourist, this is ideal as just in short walking distances you can visit several sites. Within the proximity of the Pancras Squar Leisure Granger & Co. Restaurant
building there a few other accommodations but at least 800m Food and leisure places in the area
Urban Nest Student Accommodation
ts
n ge
Re
House Of Illustration
l
na
Ca
200 m
Other accomodations in the area
away.
THE BUILDING
REGENERATION HOUSE
Regeneration House I was originally attracted to the symmetry of the Regeneration House Building. The strong lines and structures of the surrounding windows allow light to filter through. The location of where the building is located is also prime, next to important and desirable amenities such as a supermarket, shopping complex, university, Kings Cross train stations and the Regents canal, just to name a few. This would be ideal for the active and fast-paced lifestyle of a London student living in central.
Perspective Photograph of Regeneration House
Sketch Perspective
North Elevation
North Elevation
Roof Plan Roof Plan Roof Plan
North Elevation North North Elevation Elevation
West Elevation West Elevation West Elevation South Elevation
Existing Site: South Elevation Floor plans and elevations
Second Floor Second PlanSecond Floor Plan Floor Plan
First Floor Plan First Floor FirstPlan Floor Plan
South Elevation South South Elevation Elevation
East Elevation East Elevation East Elevation
Transverse Section
012
Transverse Section Transverse Section Transverse Section 8 4m 04 1 2 16
8
16 m
16 m
Basement Plan Basement Plan Plan Basement
N
081 2
N
4
N
012
LongitudinalLongitudinal Section Section Longitudinal Section
4
8
16 m
8
N
Ground Floor Ground PlanGround Floor Plan Floor Plan
4
16 m
N
Transverse Section
012
EXPERIMENTS EXPERIMENTS North Elevation Section View
Plan View
South Elevation Section View
Transverse Section 012
4
8
16 m
N
Sketch Section Ideas
- Living - Storage
Roof Plan Residence / Short term Storage
North Elevation
West Elevation
Second Floor Plan
Residence / Short term Storage
Beginning Plan Interventions
Initially, the concept was to design an insertion within the space. To design a new use and purpose for the existing floors. As seen in the plans on the left, the design was overlayed on top of the current structures. This was a more literal approach
First Floor Plan South Elevation
student accommodation. However, this plan did not meet the
East Elevation
- Social - Study - Relax
needs of my intent for the space. To be a multifunctional site shared between two user groups.
Lobby / Communal
Ground Floor Plan
- Storage Utility / Longterm Storage
Transverse Section
Longitudinal Section Basement Plan
4
8
16 m
N
012
Insertion plans and zoning of space
to answering my question of designing a flexible university
Timeline of the Permanant vs Temporary Space Usage:
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Permanant
Temporary
Timeline Timelines of when the site will be occupied by the two user
Timeline of the Private vs Public Space Usage During the Weekday:
groups, seasonally and daily. Students being long term or permanent tenants and the visiting student is the short term, temporary tenants.
7am
9am
11am
1pm
3pm
5pm
7pm
9pm
11pm
1am
3am
5am
Private
Public
Timeline of the Personal vs Communal Space Usage During the Weekend:
7am
9am
11am
1pm
3pm
5pm
7pm
9pm
11pm
1am
3am
Personal
Communal
5am
Foam sketch model of movable walls and shelves
Adaptability I became interested in multifunctionality of objects through how they can serve different purposes while still saving space. The experiments shown are for movable walls and shelving which could potentially allow for the space to be occupied by the two user groups. Also by having pieces of furniture that do more than one task, students can access more in their private smaller scale private accommodations.
Paper sketch model of walls and shelving placements
Foam sketch model of movable walls and shelves
Adaptable Rooms I began testing how the ergonomics of a room can be adapted according to the preference of the current user of that space.
How can walls move and shelves adjust? There are two main ways they can change, horizontally and vertically. As shown in the images on the left, I created sketch models on card paper and foam board to test the positioning of the walls and shelving.
By creating different configurations using the movable walls and shelves they created a new zone within the space. These zones can be adapted to fit with my design proposal to allow for the sharing of a space.
Paper sketch model of walls and shelving placements
De Stijl Design
Rietveld House Precedence A key feature of this house is the pocket doors that divide the rather cubic room into multiple sections. The symmetry of the space is influence by the infamous De Stijl art pattern. By using Rietveld Schrรถder House with Cubist Modular Room Dividers
the bold lines to divide the space you get a sense of separation within a larger communal space. I was influenced by the modular cube system and will be designing movable walls within the accommodation bedrooms to allow for space allocation. This can also allows for a section of the room to be locked off when the long term tenant is away and the short term tenant moves in.
Plan
Spatial ConďŹ guration 1:
aprox.
300m
aprox.
600m
Elevation
Movable Walls aprox.
By considering the need of the two student user groups, a solu-
300m
aprox.
1300m
tion I came up with to allow the space to function for both were aprox.
movable walls. Pocket sliding doors that allowed for a section
3000m aprox.
600m
of the room to be closed off and locked. This allows for long
North Elevation
West Elevation term tenant could store their belongings without having to move it while they are away. This still lets the short term visiting tenants to use part of the space. Shown in the different spacial
Plan
configurations is how the walls and shelves in the space could
Spatial ConďŹ guration 2:
Seco
be adjusted.
Initial spacial plans for the private floors
aprox.
300m
aprox.
F
- Living South Elevation - Storage
600m
Elevation
East Elevation
Residence / Short term Storage
aprox.
300m
aprox.
1300m
Grou aprox.
3000m aprox.
600m
Initial spacial concepts
Residence / Short term Storage Transverse Section
Longitudinal Section
B 4
8
16 m
N
012
NA House by Sou Fujimoto The NA House Design by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto was inspired by the idea of living in a tree. The various levels within the transparent home mimic branches going in sporadic directions. The house is split into multiple levels allowing the mezzanine spaces to become voids between the levels. This creates liminal spaces that can be utilised for storage such as under the stairs. The house is mainly windows, which permits natural light to shine through and illuminate the spaces. I was influenced by the asymmetry of split levels within the structure that still allowed for a clear pathway that flows.
NA House by Sou Fujimoto
Levels The initial plans of insertion into the existing architecture made my designs very linear. I wanted to create dimensions and interest within the vertical space, not just the horizontal plans. For this to be successful I changed my approach from insertion to intervention where I disregard the current levels of the site and reconstruct new ones according to the needs of the space and users.
Sketch Elavaton Idea for multi level living
Longitudinal Section
DETAILS
Adaptable Bed
Multifunctional Elements Starting from top to bottom, the adaptable bed on retractable wheels for easy movement and adjustability. There is also hidden storage under the pedestal. Next to the truly multifunctional desk which is also on retractable wheels. The desk itself is built on wireless charging pads allowing electronic devices to be charged when in contact with the surface of the table. There are also hidden plugs, a tablet or book stand, and adjustable LED strip lights overhead. Finally found next to the multifunctional desk are these adjustable shelves which can be transMultifunctional Desk
formed by folding the shelf away and to the side for a bigger verticle area or simply sliding it up and down by the automated mechanism attached to each shelving level.
Adjustable Shelves
Foldable Kitchen Table
Multifunctional Elements The foldable table in the kitchenette allows for space-saving. The table and chairs pivot down when needed. This allows for a dining table area and extended counter space when cooking. Found on the ground floor attached to the social space’s pillars are these bespoke built-in chair and table combination. An area for the users to chill and socialise. Lastly is the accommodation room doors which are automated and can be synced up to smartphones to avoid hassles with physical keys. They can be locked remotely to ensure safety and security. Bespoke Pillar Seating Area
Automated Door
SPACE MAPPING
Plan
Storage VS Bedroom:
aprox.
300m
aprox.
600m
Elevation
Bedroom
aprox.
Storage
300m
aprox.
600m
Plan
Vertical Space Mapping:
aprox.
300m
aprox.
600m
Elevation
Spacial Mapping aprox.
300m
These diagrams show the adjustable wall and storage components. The idea that the space can be shared and fit in with the needs of the two user groups. The mappings also show how aprox.
the room can be shared but still securely lock off a part when
600m
the long term tenant is away. Since storage is the main element in this design, there is more designated space to keep items and belongings.
Elevation
Use of space:
aprox.
300m
aprox.
600m
Plan
Student Only
aprox.
300m
Shared
aprox.
600m
Movable Walls The idea that the space can be inhabited by two user groups, with out the longer term tenants having to vacate while they are away. A section of the room can be closed off to allow for secure storage of the student’s belongings. While visiting students will occupy the open space available.
The movable walls can be locked off in the storage and closet area so the main user does not have to pack and move entirely, and when they come back it can be opened up and used as before.
Movable Wall Diagram
STORAGE SOLUTIONS
One of the key components in this design is that it is flexible as it allows for two user groups to share the space at different times. Storage is very important for the long term tenants as they need a place to store their items while they are away. This ensures the safety of their belongings while the short term tenants can occupy the space.
User Access Diagram Only Accessible to Long term Tenants
Adjustable Shelves
Ergonomics In the study area of the bedrooms, I have designed a simple verticle shelving unit which the shelves on it are movable. This can be adjusted to fit for the ergonomics of the current user of the space. The shelves can be moved up and down and if a bigger section is needed it can be rotated to the side to open it up.
Flexible Bedroom
Furniture The solutions for storage that I have designed are bespoke to the space and user group. As my target is students, their needs are very clear: Sleep, Study, Socialise, and Storage.
Mobility The main feature of my design is the movable walls which act as a partition between the closet space and bedroom space. This allows for safekeeping of the long term user’s belongings while the temporary short term tenants move into the space. This becomes a storage solution as the long term tenant can keep their items in the room without having to move it every time.
Hybrid In the entrance space of the accommodation, I have designed bespoke seating and desk space that wraps around the pillar that supports the central social space. This creates a conversation area for the tenants to utilise while also socialising. Additionally, there are rotatable seating blocks that can stack and connect to create different patterns and arrangements.
Multifunctional Furniture
PROGRAMME PRECEDENCE
These are a few London based design precedence that have influenced the programme: Scape Urbanest Chapter All three examples are modern student accomodation in Central London.
Scape
Scape Bedroom
“Scape is an inspirational place for students to live and work. We’ll make sure you have everything you need to feel more safe, calm and at home than any other student accommodation out there. And also make sure you feel challenged, clued up and plugged into new ideas and a new city. You’ll be joining a student community that looks out for one another, throughout your stay and when you leave. And you’ll get that little bit of guidance that will make a big difference, for uni and beyond.“ (Scape, 2020)
Scape, designed by renowned designer Ab Rogers focuses on the utility of the space depending on student needs and compact modern living within the city. The design surrounds bright
Scape Dining Area
interiors and furnishings, fit for young students.
Scape Entry Way
Urbanest
Urbanest Bedroom
“Urbanest is London student accommodation with a difference. Our buildings are safe and secure with great social areas, flexible workspaces and a wide range of facilities. Our choice of London student rooms is second to none. Whether you are looking for a student flat with your friends, a studio flat in Shoreditch, a duplex with views of Big Ben or a great value twin room close to university, staying with urbanest will provide the student living and accommodation in London that suits you. Enquire today for information on student studio flats, LSE accommodation, London life & more.“ (Urbanest, 2020)
Urbanest accommodations are located in central London which allows for the student to get to know the city. The design plays on the
Urbanest social area
versatility of the space, and the functions within them.
Urbanest Study Area
Chapter
Chapter Bedroom
“Chapter provides a unique living experience for students from across the globe. With our exclusive membership system, residents have access to all of our locations across London, their amenities and calendar of amazing events, enabling them to build a city-wide community of friends and contacts whilst enjoying some of the most extraordinary living spaces in the London student market.“ (Chapter, 2020)
Chapter is a more high-end student accommodation also due to its central locations. However, the key element that makes Chapter stand out is the luxurious communal social spaces. This gives the students sense of freedom while still living in halls of residences. Chapter Study Area
Chapter Social Area
South Elevation
Roof Plan East Elevation
INTERVENTION
West Elevation Existing Regeneration House Section and Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan
Transverse Section 4
8
East Elevation
16 m
N
012
Longitudinal Section First Floor Plan
Ground Floor Plan
Existing Floor Plan Intervention Floor Plan
Design Intervention An Intervention has been put into the floor plan of the site. Originally Regeneration house had 3 floors and a basement, but I have chosen to demolish those existing interior structures and rebuild. The intervention includes, four new structures which consist of three of perimeter structures which are the private bedroom accommodations and one central social structure. On the image to the right you can see the pink lines are the old plan and the black lines are the new. There are 5 floors of rooms which in total means there are 30 rooms and each level of each structure has 2 rooms. In the central social space, I used the elevation and height of the building to my advantaged and only split them up into three levels.
The design intervention over the existing plan
TYPOLOTYPOLOGIES GIES
Photograph of House Of Illustration’s Surrounding Area
Map of Share Accommodation in the Area
N
Shared Accommodation W
E
There are numerous shared accommodations located in and around central London. I have done a mapping of where those
S
accommodations are located in relations to the site of Regeneration house. As shown on the map, in the immediate vicinity there aren’t any share accommodations. However, it is still a popular type of living space in London.
1km
Typologies of London Student Accomodation Bedrooms
Typology I have complied a series of photographs of inside some of London’s most modern student accommodation. By creating these typologies of the student bedrooms and social spaces within the shared accommodation I can see a clear pattern of design. There is a similarity in their types of functionality and form.Within the bedrooms the design reflect compact living for Typologies of London Student Accomodation Social Areas
a single user, where as in the social spaces there is a larger area for communal use.
Taxonomy I have created a taxonomy for a collection of complementary multifunctional social seating areas. This influenced my design for what type of furnishings to include and design a bespoke version in the student social space of my plan. Similarly, all the furniture in the images is modular and adaptable which corresponds with my design intentions. This can create conversational areas promoting socialisation within my flexible student accommodation between the two user groups.
Taxonomy of multifunctional social seating areas
Typologies of Shared Facilities Around London
Shared Facilities
Shared Social Facility
Shared Study Facility
Shared Study Facility
Shared Working Facility
Shared Leisure Facility
Shared Gym Facility
Nowadays there is a shared space for most activities, such as work, study, physical activities, leisure, and even living. This is due to a lack of personal areas within individuals homes to carry out these activities. A shared space allows the user to utilise the facilities they want and need but can’t afford to have on their own. The spaces also allow for an atmosphere of social interaction in an ever-growing ‘work-from-home’ industry. These shared facilities can create new experiences for users.
Natural Lighting The main entrance faces East which means that through the large windows, the building gets the morning and afternoon
How light filters through
natural sunlight. The back of the building faces West, which brings in the sun at golden hour. This means that the site will get natural light at most times of the day depending on the weather.
The Buidling through shadows
The East side of the buidling at 11am
1:100 FLOOR PLANS
0 1 2
4
8 Flexible Elements
16 m 1:100
N Fixed Elements
1st Floor Plan
0 1 2
4
8 Flexible Elements
0 1 2
4
1:100
N
N
Fixed Elements
16 m
2nd Floor Plan
8
Flexible Elements Fixed Elements
16 m 1:100
3th Floor Plan
0 1 2
4
8
0 1 2
16 m
4
1:100
Flexible Elements
16 m 1:100
N
N
Flexible Elements Fixed Elements
8
4th Floor Plan
Fixed Elements
5th Floor Plan
1:100 ELEVATIONS
0 1 2
4
8
0 1 2
16 m 0 1 2
m
4
1:100
16 m
8
0 1 2
16 4m
8
1:100
1:100
N
N
1:100
16 m
N
N South Elevation
8
4
South Elevation
North Elevation North Elevation
No
0 1 2
4
8
0 1 2
16 m
m
0 1 2
4
1:100
0
16 m 1:100
0 1 2
4 m 16
8
West Elevation
16 m 1:100
N
N
East Elevation
8
1:100
N
N East Elevation
8
4
West Elevation
No
ROUTE MAPPINGS
Flexible Elements Fixed Elements
Duration mapping during term time
Duration Mappings This mapping shows the amount of time spent in each area of the accomodation by the two user groups. Sacha represent-
Long Term Tennant Sacha Time spent in an area (The bigger the shape the longer the duration)
ing the long term tenants which are the students who study in London. This is her use during term time. Anthony represents short term tenants, the students who are visting from abroad. This shows his use during holiday periods.
Duration mapping during holiday period
Short Term Tennant Anthony
Time spent in an area (The bigger the shape the longer the duration)
Timeline of the Private vs Public Space Usage During the Weekday:
7am
9am
11am
1pm
3pm
5pm
7pm
9pm
11pm
1am
3am
5am
Private
Public
Mapping of Timeline and Use of Space These mappings show the use of space depending on the duration, time of year, and time during the day. As depending on whether it is term time or term break the user group occupying the space will differ.
Timeline of the Personal vs Communal Space Usage During the Weekend:
7am
9am
11am
1pm
3pm
5pm
7pm
9pm
11pm
1am
3am
5am
Personal
Communal
Timeline of the Permanant vs Temporary Space Usage:
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Permanant
Temporary
Aug
User Routes Mapping This diagram shows the possible routes of the two user groups navigating around the accommodation between the social and private areas. You can see that the user’s paths cross at some parts in the site. As the whole site is a shared accommodation the only truly private and single access area are the bedrooms.
Short Term Users
Long Term Users
Plan in Situ This image shows tha building and the new intervention for the site in relations to its surrounding areas. Located by regents canal and adjacent to waitrose making the Regeneration House prime realistate.
Plan and site image over lay
AREA DESIGNATION Areas
Areas Bathroom
Bathroom
Sleep
Sleep
Study
Study
Communal
Communal
Transitional
Transitional
Storage
Storage
012
4
8
012
4 16 m 8
16 m
1:100
1:100
N
N
1st Floor Plan
1st Floor Plan
Areas Bathroom Sleep Study Communal Transitional
012
4
8
Storage
16 m
012
4
8
16 m 1:100
N
N 2nd Floor Plan
3th Floor Plan
Areas Bathroom Sleep Study Communal Transitional Storage
012
4
8
012
16 m
4
8
16 m 1:100
1:100
N
N 4th Floor Plan
5th Floor Plan
TECHNOLOGY
Technology in the Space Technology can be found and used in and around the site itself. The key element of tech used in my design is the smart glass movable walls which are automated and design to give a section of the space privacy for the long term tenants when they are not occupying the space. Other than the movable walls the desk areas in the rooms are fully equipped with smart lights, chargers and sockets that can be connected to smart devices and controlled remotely. Of course, the most important part for any millennial and students is fast broadband wifi access which is readily available throughout the whole site.
DESIGN INTERVENTION
Building intervention on surrent site
Design Intervention For my flexible student accommodation, I have designed an intervention for space. By disregarding the existing floors and creating new levels, it allowed for a more interesting verticle space. By designing upwards I was able to create newly designated areas. The perimeter of the plan is where the accommodation rooms are located and at the front and centre by the entrance is the 3 level structure for the shared social space. There is a clear pathway throughout the design showing levels of privacy, the higher the structure is the more private it becomes.
Design intervention model
Multilevel private accomodations
Perspective plan of social and private areas
Private Accomodation Rooms Public Social Space
Split level social area
Exploded Axonometric drawing of private and social structures
Exploded Axonometric drawing of how the structure fits into the plan
Animated image of the site at night and it’s shadows and users
Matte Reclaimed Oak Matte Black Subway Tiles
MATERIALITY Spackled Pink Concrete
Recycled Terrazzo
Polished White Concrete
Marble Dyed Concrete
Pentagonal Porcelain tiles
Reclaimed Granite Stone
White Linnen
Render of the flexible accomodation bedroom (The walls and doors are not shown in the images to show all aspects of the room)
Reclaimed Granite
Polished Concrete
Reclaimed Oak
Matte Subway tiles
Pentagonal Tiles
Recycled Terazzo
0 1 2
4
8
16 m
Connected hallway Render
Elevation Banister Render
0 1 2
4
8
Fixed Elements
Spackled Concrete
Polished Dye Concrete
Polished Concrete
Steel Dooo
4
1:100
N
N
Flexible Elements
0 1 2
8
16 m Flexible Elements Fixed Elements
16 m 1:100
3th Floor Plan
3th Floor Plan
Terazzo
Spackled Concrete
Marble dyed Concrete
Polished Concrete
Terazzo
Polished Dye Concrete
Movable Wall Configuration Render
0 1 2
4
8
Fixed Elements
0 1 2
4
1:100
N
N
Flexible Elements
Movable Wall Configuration Render
16 m
3th Floor Plan
8
Flexible Elements Fixed Elements
16 m 1:100
3th Floor Plan
Bar and Cafe Render
0 1 2
4
8
Fixed Elements
0 1 2
4
1:100
N
N
Flexible Elements
Student Gym Render
16 m
3th Floor Plan
8
Flexible Elements Fixed Elements
16 m 1:100
3th Floor Plan
0 1 2
4
Communal laundry area
8 Flexible Elements
Shared study area in the social space
16 m
0 1 2
4
1:100 Flexible Elements
N 1st Floor Plan
16 m 1:100
N
Fixed Elements
8
Fixed Elements
5th Floor Plan
0 1 2
8
Flexible Elements Fixed Elements
0 1 2
16 m
4
1:100
8 Flexible Elements
16 m 1:100
N
N
Shared Kitchenette and social dining area
4
3th Floor Plan
Corridor seating area
Fixed Elements
5th Floor Plan
Social Entrance Area of the Flexible Student Accommodation
0 1 2
4
8 Flexible Elements
N Fixed
16 m 1:100
As a designer, I looked at the problem of the possibility of designing a multifunctional space as a challenge. Different tenants or users have different activities and needs, hence why I have focused on the target of students because they are still in the same demographic. My design focus was on linking pathways, making sure the users in the space are given opportunities to interact and cross paths.
After evaluation of my research and experiment, I can conclude that it is possible to design a multifunctional space for two user groups. By considering both the user’s needs, and required programme activities. I have successfully designed a flexible student accommodation for students who study in London and the students who are visiting.
The space consists of usage from longterm and short-term tenants, and through the design of the bespoke movable walls and pivotable furniture, the bedrooms can be occupied by the two users at different times. The needs of university students are specific and include an area to study, a space for storage, a comfortable place to sleep, and a space to socialise, the last two points are true for the user both groups. Therefore by designing and space planning, the social areas became the focal point of the design. The Liminal spaces transform the users’ interactions when paths cross, whether it be on the multiple staircases or using the social or study areas. The split structures create levels of privacy, the higher the rooms, the more private they are as fewer people will access them via the stairs.
I focused on three main areas of this project which were: Shared living, Storage, and Flexibility of the space and furniture and have found suitable solutions for them through my design and investigation.
PROGRAMME SOLUTION
REAL WORLD IMPACT
I have designed my program to be adaptable to different sites and situations. The model of private stacked modular rooms with movable walls, interconnecting hallways and a detached central social space could be mimicked and essentially place within different buildings. The structure of the design is flexible but the idea of the combined semi-private and public shared living space will remain the same. This could become the new norm.
Private Modular Structure
Detached Social Structure
I was able to design a flexible student accommodation for two user group successfully. However, if I were to redesign this site in the future, there are some things that I’d like to add. Such as building up and adding a sky roof to maximise ceiling height and natural lighting. This could also allow for a bigger outdoor social space for the users. Another intervention could have been adding balconies to each window ledge. Lastly, I could have built down to the basement level where additional storage areas that could be rented out could be added. This could add value to the accommodation business and in turn allow for cheaper rent as there is other income. Overall, the extensions will maximise the space and use per area which could even attract more tenants in the future.
CONCLUSION
Chelsea College of Arts BA Interior Design Year Three July 2020