Intro

Modern society is captivated by the latest technological advancements, often viewing them as indispensable tools that streamline daily tasks. This mindset extends into architecture, where design choices are meticulously analyzed for their efficiency in energy usage and conservation. Yet, amidst this focus on functionality, there lies another aspect of architectural performance worth exploring transformation. Transformable architecture possesses the unique capability to alter its structure, space, and purpose through physical movement. In an era where technology sometimes isolates individuals from one another, it also has the potential to create architectural spaces that encourage active participation and interaction between users and their surroundings.

Transformable architecture offers a versatile approach for buildings and structures, catering to the need for adaptability. Whether its streamlining for transportation or adjusting shape to meet evolving functional and aesthetic demands, this strategy addresses the fluidity required in modern architecture. In today’s world, where users’ needs constantly evolve, architecture must be responsive, allowing users to participate in shaping their built environment. Transformability empowers users to realize their architectural aspirations while offering an avenue for environmental integration, promoting energy efficiency and cost savings. By fostering dynamic spaces that interact with their surroundings, transformable architecture not only maximizes user engagement but also paves the way for innovative solutions that address environmental concerns and foster unexpected possibilities.

Responsive Architecture

We can identify three main realm to cluster what is known as “responsive architecture”

-Environmental: climate-responsive architecture is a design philosophy that integrates detailed climate data from a specific region to create buildings that are not only efficient but also harmonious with their local environment. This approach carefully considers multiple climatic factors such as temperature fluctuations, historical weather patterns, the trajectory of the sun, prevailing solar positions, environmental conditions like humidity and wind patterns, seasonality variations, and the physical topography of the area;

-Social: focuses on designing environments that can evolve with the changing needs and behaviors of the people and communities that use them. It extends beyond mere functionality to enhance human experiences and interactions, promoting a sense of belonging, inclusivity, and well-being. Key aspects include creating flexible, multifunctional spaces that can adapt to various activities and community requirements, which may change over time;

-Economical: refers to the ability of buildings to optimize their function, lifespan, and resource use over time, taking advantage of technological advancements to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and economic viability. This ensures that buildings stay relevant and cost-effective throughout their useful life. A key feature of this adaptability is the efficient utilization of resources; buildings designed for adaptability reduce material use and waste through modular construction, reusable components, and sustainable materials, thereby lowering the environmental impact and fostering long-term cost savings. Furthermore, economical adaptability allows buildings to quickly and affordably adjust to changing market demands and user needs.

These three features, if well applied, could help to reach a fully functional adapatability.

This concept is rooted in an organism’s or system’s ability to respond to fluctuations in natural conditions. This study explores how living organisms capture, convert, store, and utilize energy, water, and daylight, investigating nature’s methods of cooling, heating, shading, and light control. While buildings are traditionally perceived as static and inert entities, their surrounding environment and internal conditions are dynamic. Therefore, there is potential to draw inspiration and insights from nature to enhance the adaptability of building façades, leading to improved building performance. Incorporating adaptability into architectural design requires a deep understanding of change dynamics and the intelligent response that architecture should exhibit. This process entails recognizing the need for buildings to evolve and adapt in harmony with their surroundings, embracing principles derived from nature to inform innovative solutions for architectural design.

But how do we make our buildings adaptable, responsive, flexible or even transformable?

-Adaptability: within the realm of architecture, refers to the inherent capability of a building to accommodate a diverse range of functions and activities without necessitating substantial alterations to its core architectural structure. This quality is crucial in sustainable architecture, as it enables buildings to meet the evolving needs of occupants while minimizing environmental impact;

-Transformability: it encompasses the dynamic capability of both interior and exterior spaces to undergo substantial modifications or alterations without necessitating new construction. It is a concept deeply rooted in adaptability, where spaces can readily evolve to meet changing needs, preferences, or circumstances. This fluidity not only pertains to the spatial layout and configuration but also extends to the functional aspects and aesthetic characteristics of the space.

-Convertibility: In the practice of architecture, the concept of convertibility underscores the importance of anticipating future needs and designing buildings that can adapt to changing requirements over time. This involves thorough planning during the initial stages of design, where feasibility studies, research, and long-term projections are conducted to identify potential future uses and incorporate them into the design.

-Kinetic Architecture: is the innovative practice of integrating moving elements into building design. These dynamic structures feature components that can operate independently without compromising the building’s stability or safety. Kinetic architecture techniques serve various purposes, from practical functionality to artistic expression, and even environmental adaptation.

Conclusion

The era of globalization and “speed space” reshapes our perception of place and our attachment to it, prompting an examination of users’ flexibility and its direct correlation to the Space Metamorphosis concept. Richard Sennet notes the increasing number of people feeling inclined to adopt a nomadic lifestyle, with little recollection of their living arrangements a decade ago. This flexibility imbues a sense of freedom, allowing individuals to easily relocate and find new homes. The traditional notion of attachment to living or working spaces diminishes as people embrace the unknown, finding inspiration and satisfaction in novelty, breaking away from routine. Despite these global shifts and increased flexibility, the “My house is my castle” philosophy persists, extending beyond living spaces to encompass possessions like cars and belongings. Many prefer ownership of fewer items over sharing, raising questions and concerns about mixing functions, especially in sacred spaces like housing. The well-being of individuals is closely tied to their living environment, with many unwilling to compromise their strong attachment to their homes, even for potential benefits. Sennett’s notion of “mutual accommodation through dissociation” is scrutinized, highlighting the peace of mutual indifference as inadequate. Cooperation among users, driven by shared interests and a desire for diverse experiences, is crucial. Sennett’s assertion that the end of citizenship practices would signify a loss of understanding divergent interests underscores the importance of maintaining curiosity about others. Trust and tolerance are essential for implementing the concept successfully. The concept seeks to strike a balance between mutual indifference and curiosity about others, examining relationships between public and private spaces, ownership versus rental arrangements, and fostering flexibility. As people increasingly prioritize experiences over possessions, providing adaptable spaces becomes increasingly relevant.

A research by: Matteo Arietti, Marta Serra