Adaptable housing or adaptable people? Experience in Switzerland gives a new answer to the questions of housing adaptability

Abstract

Although many adaptable housing examples have been realized, the reactions of the dwellers to their adaptable surroundings have seldom been adequately evaluated. In this article the user reactions from four completed housing projects in Switzerland are analyzed giving consideration to the potential qualities of adaptability, the exchange of information among architects, owners and tenants, and the management methods to achieve adaptable housing. It will be demonstrated that adaptable housing is much more than a matter of design. It will be shown that consideration should be given to user instructions and the distribution of knowledge in conjunction with skilful design. -Author