URBAN METABOLISM / Changing houses for changing times

Polytechnic University of Tirana, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism

Project idea

The project consists of creating an efficient residential typology both financially and in terms of environmental impact. After the destruction of many buildings by the earthquake of November 2019 in Albania, many families remain homeless. Also from the situation of isolation to covid 19 the need for multifunctional spaces in the apartment was noticed. In response to these events, the need arose for affordable, energy efficient and multifunctional housing.

Project description

For this, a standardization has been made in the modules of the main housing units, creating modules that can be flexible and multi-purpose for a maximum use of the apartment. Also with the changes of the family in time other modules can be added to meet the new needs and the existing modules can change the function.
In order to have a variety of housing options and the possibility of combining and modifying in the future, but also to have the lowest possible cost and fast construction, it is thought that the
buildings will be prefabricated.
The most suitable module for this purpose is the 3.5x3.5 m module
With combinations of these modules, different apartments are formed and with the grouping of apartments, objects are formed, creating diverse and not monotonous facades.

Technical information

Prefabricated building construction enables low cost construction, efficient and fast construction in response to emergency needs. Modulation also allows variability in time and space flexibility. The buildings are created by these basic units as well and the public space has cubic elements which are used for various functions or even for resting. The project presents a general idea of these dwellings. The presentation is in plans and axonometry to better express the development in plan and height of these objects.