Reflections
users. Following that, our main focus was the design of horizontal and vertical movable modules which are directly connected to the structural grid and, while moving, are affecting the exterior expression of the facades. The way the modules are moving still stays conceptual as we did not find any current good references of similar system which would have several configurations that could be activated remotely when changing function. What we believe to be a positive note for the concept is the rather rigid time frame. When the Working configuration’s time is up, for example, at 17:00, it is mandatory to free the space, thus giving time to enjoy other activities such as, family, friends, sport, gardening, etc. One of the main design challenges that we faced was to give the right level of personalization for both Living and Working configurations. We understand that, for many users, it is a crucial aspect as they want their home to represent their character just as businesses want to put forward their brand and identity. The concept therefore suggests a principle of double modules, which allows one side of the module to be used for Living purposes and the other side for Working needs. By putting both modules together, one configuration containing decoration, storage, personal belongings, etc. disappears while the other one, which again contains personalized surfaces of another function, reveals itself. In this relation the notion about the space being used for other purposes completely disappears, as users cannot see, touch or know it. However, in order to maintain a sense of collaboration and the curiosity and awareness about The Other, modules containing tables are designed in such a way that it gives a glimpse of the presence of other users. In our opinion such contrast between elements create a balance between exposing and hiding personal belonging. It appears more subtle and is not violating privacy. The principle of grouping movable modules and hiding working tables in the deep ceiling have added spatial qualities related to creating different atmospheres. Moreover the position, form and materials of the windows have reinforced the difference between Working and Living modes. Living configurations also have a greater hierarchy between spaces, the finishings of the modules, attention to details and a lot of south-west light gives the space a glowing warm atmosphere. By contrast, the Working layout appears to be more open plan, with mainly light finishes with some bright accents and diffused north-east light. Comparing the same space from the Living user’s perspective and from the Working user’s one, the space appears with a completely different character.
energy would be used more continuously. In order to confirm it, simulations were done in available programs, we however had difficulties to compare them with any existing building, because of the many parameters to be considered. The chosen solution was then to compare them between different space configurations within the project and that proved the hypothesis right. However, it is important to mention that the available softwares, such as Be10 and BSim, are not designed to perform hybrid simulations as they are orientated towards a mono-function building organization. Therefore, in order to perform a more detailed and accurate analysis of energy use, some modifications would have to be made in the different softwares which would allow specific hybrid relationship simulations. To conclude, the project’s implementation in a particular site at a particular time in a particular city have a very strong influence on the outcome, meaning that there is no direct recipe for the Space Metamorphosis concept. There are some principles to be considered, but its implementation strongly depends on its surroundings. Moreover, users consideration and their ability to welcome such a concept is crucial. Their living environment and cultural habits are therefore very important as well. In Copenhagen, there is a high demand for affordable accommodation and a strong awareness about sustainability, therefore the concept is more likely to be applied than in other cities. Our research showed that living habits are sacred and that people’s Home is a notion to be dealt with carefully as it symbolically relates to the very intimacy of oneself. Therefore, the intention of the project is to provide users with a familiar solution adding new qualities to their everyday routines. The project is experimental and it does not propose radical and immediate changes, it rather suggests a discussion upon the issue of waste and overconsumption. Because of the lack of reference projects with the same space qualities as Space Metamorphosis, it is difficult to be entirely objective about the feasibility of the proposed solutions. In order to get a fruitful feedback from users, the project has to be implemented and tested, which would probably reveal another layer of consideration and challenges.
Efficient energy utilization aiming at maximizing its potential is an engineering challenge of the project for which we had to consider many variables from the start in order to satisfy the demands for both functions. This appeared to be a difficult exercise, firstly because of the lack of the references of well performing hybrid spaces and secondly because of the nature of simulating softwares. Our hypothesis was based on the idea that, by overlapping functions, the energy demand would decrease as the produced
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