Modern tendency of development of architectural typology on the example of micro-apartment for Almaty city

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the social and functional features of micro-apartment and, based on the findings, to demonstrate the projects of modern micro-apartment designed for one or two people, which are implemented in the experimental design.Design/methodology/approachBased on the analysis of the study of theoretical scientific works on the research topic and from the standpoint of an interdisciplinary discourse the social and economic prerequisites for the demand for such a dwelling are determined and the categories of citizens for whom a micro-apartment is an advantage are identified. Particular attention is paid to the typological boundaries of the study, the generalization and synthesis of sources which is reflected in identifying the features of the functional zoning of a micro-apartment in connection with the needs of residents and determining modern ways to improve the comfort of living.FindingsAt the examples of experimental design of micro-apartment for the city of Almaty we substantiated the expanding the existing typology of residential buildings by adding a new type of urban dwelling – a micro-apartment which occupies a niche between apartment housing for permanent residence and traditional hotels.Originality/valueThe content of the study is devoted to the analysis of a micro-apartment as a new type of modern urban dwelling for a single and small-family population. Urban residents’ interest in economical, affordable small-area dwellings as well as the need to study and design micro format dwellings for the modern urban environment is a topical issue.

Housing Design: Furniture or Fixtures? Accommodating Change through Technological and Typological Innovation

“…Finally, within the idea of the raumplan beyond the economy of space, the built-in storage and sofa elements of Adolf Loos villas contribute to enhance the perception of the separated alcoves they create as "theatre boxes" within the fluid interior, as spatial psychological devices to provide comfort through a perception of intimacy and control [52] (pp. [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. In his projects for fitted furniture, conceived for efficiency and durability, practical reasons prevail in the consistency with the rationale of the whole, in evident opposition with many of his contemporaries committed to fully designing interiors.…”

“…A demand is emerging linked to flexible spaces and more fluid market conditions, gauged on a temporary work or study horizon [13]. The concept of micro-living [14][15][16][17][18][19][20] in combination with real-time adaptation [21], transformability [22], and multifunctionality [23] may represent a possible solution requiring an investigation on both the layout organisation as well as the fit-out and the equipment of the space, to be thus developed from a typological and technological point of view.…”