The Cultivation of Adaptability in Japan

Abstract

This paper explores the adaptability of buildings in Japan from the perspective of three distinct practice typologies: large general contractors, large architectural design firms, and small design ateliers. The paper illustrates the cultivation of adaptability in Japan revealing a maturing of concepts into current innovations, trends, priorities, and obstacles in relation to adaptability in design. The paper contextualizes the situation by reviewing the evolution of residential development in support of building adaptability, and the ways in which these policies and concepts have shaped practice and transcended residential design. This evolution is then explored through non-residential case studies undertaken by the three practice types, and supported through a review of critical themes emerging from the interviews. The importance of particular physical characteristics are examined including storey height, location of services, planning modules and structural spacing/spans. The interviews expose the critical relationship between adaptability and different social variables - the state of the market, the role of planning regulations and other legal frameworks; as well as, the misconceptions and variations in the perceptions on the role and meaning adaptability has in practice. The paper is concluded by revealing the lessons learnt, including the unfolding of dependencies outside the ‘black box’ of adaptability (e.g. practice culture, material and, stakeholder mindsets) and the requirement of effective communication of concepts to allow an informed conversation between professionals and with clients and users. Like many other philosophical design concepts in complex processes, adaptability benefits from a mutual understanding, good relationships, communication, integration, and shared goals amongst team members.

How does flexible design promote resource efficiency for housing? A study of Khulna, Bangladesh

“…Although there is no firm record of the lifespan of a building, scholarly research suggests approximately 100 years as an acceptable lifespan of a building (Gijsbers et al, 2009;Leupen, 2006a). A study conducted in 2000 shows (Figure 1b) that the average buildings elapse by 30, 55, and 77 years in Japan, the USA and the UK, respectively (Eguchi et al, 2011). The lifespan is still heavily influenced by the weather, climate, and frequencies of natural events.…”

Design for change for a more sustainable resource usage in construction

“…Chimneys... and other complications all invite problems with flashing, and the make reroofing difficult. x ...rooms bore no functional labels, rather as multi-functional spaces... deriving its identity from its temporary occupants... Eguchi et al, 2011 This system divides the building parts... so that parts with long life spans are not damaged when parts with short life spans are replaced... Eguchi et al, 2011 x…”

“…A key tactic was shifting to a 10.8m uniform-grid offering a low cost solution, which is typically used for shopping centres and parking -in contrast to the typical office span of 16-18m... Eguchi et al, 2011 x ...external lateral bracing... creates a rigid shell and allows for a free internal space that was envisioned to incorporate future changes... Eguchi et al, 2011 x ...by positioning... static core spaces along the periphery and opening the center up... allowing the design to accommodate ongoing changes... Eguchi et al, 2011 x The convertibility... is augmented by the decentralization of... services into 10 modules along the east and west periphery. Eguchi et al, 2011 x ...they are removable, being fastened through dry connections. Eguchi et al, 2011 x ...MK utilizes a 'universal space' which they signify through a column-free work space.…”

“…Eguchi et al, 2011 x ...they are removable, being fastened through dry connections. Eguchi et al, 2011 x ...MK utilizes a 'universal space' which they signify through a column-free work space. Eguchi et al, 2011 x Wooden components... all of which are made with standard sizesproviding easy availability in the future... Eguchi et al, 2011 x ...wooden parts... are assembled with dry joints (screws) increasing their refitability in the future.…”

“…Eguchi et al, 2011 x ...MK utilizes a 'universal space' which they signify through a column-free work space. Eguchi et al, 2011 x Wooden components... all of which are made with standard sizesproviding easy availability in the future... Eguchi et al, 2011 x ...wooden parts... are assembled with dry joints (screws) increasing their refitability in the future. Eguchi et al, 2011 x ...the building also decentralizes services to the outside which help allow for distributed control of the services amongst different tenants.…”