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FLEXIBLE PLANNING SOLUTIONS AND TRANSFORMATION OF LIVING SPACE.
Zairov Rauf Zairovich
senior lecturer of the Department of Architecture,
Samarkand State University of Architecture and Construction, Uzbekistan, Samarkand city
Najmiyeva Saida Raufovna
teacher of the Department of Architecture,
Samarkand State University of Architecture and Construction, Uzbekistan, Samarkand city
Abstract:
The article considers the importance of flexibility in the design of living spaces in the
context of demographic, social and economic changes. The aim of the study is to identify the
main approaches to the formation of adaptable housing units that can respond to the changing
needs of families with different compositions, lifestyles and work modes. The methodological
basis is the analysis of realized projects in Europe and Asia, as well as a comparative analysis of
housing typologies. The article formulates recommendations for the design of transformable
residential layouts.
Keywords:
flexible layout; adaptive housing; modular architecture; transformable spaces;
individualization of housing; sustainable design;Van B; Sharifi-ha House; Flex Block; social
adaptation of space.
1. Introduction
In the 21st century, the housing needs of the population are undergoing significant changes. The
spread of remote work, the growth of single and small households, and the need to care for
elderly family members require more flexible architectural solutions. However, mass
construction is still focused on outdated typical layouts. There is a need to develop spatially
transformed, adaptable housing that can scale depending on the situation.
2. Materials and methods
The following methods were used for the analysis:
Comparative review of implemented projects in Iran, the Netherlands, and Germany;
study of typological solutions of flexible residential cells (open plan, mobile partitions, "housing-
constructor");
assessment of the impact of flexible planning on social and behavioral aspects of users' lives.
The main source of information is publications in scientific journals on architecture and urban
planning, project reports, and interviews with architects.
1. Sharifi-ha House (Tehran, Iran). Designed by Alireza Taghaboni (Next Office), the house has
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three rotating "boxes" that can rotate 90° and protrude, creating open terraces. This allows you to
adapt the space to the season, lighting, and the mood
of the residents.
Fig.1. Facade and concept of the Sharifi-ha House [1].
Advantages: high aesthetics, transformation of layout, bright architectural image, focus on local
cultural features.
2. Flex Block (Netherlands). This is MVRDV's flexible housing concept in collaboration with
Boom - a modular wooden block system that can be easily combined and adapted to various
contexts. The project is focused on affordable, sustainable, and diverse housing with the ability
to individualize facades, layouts, and include green spaces.
Advantages: rich modularity and variability of design, environmentally friendly materials,
aesthetically
expressive
facade
with
a
variety
of
forms
and
textures.
3.
Fig.2. Facade and variants of residential buildings adapted to various contexts Flex Block
(Netherlands) [2].
4. Van B (Germany). UNStudio and Bauwerk created a new "analog smart" concept of
urban life for Van B residences in Munich, Germany. A completely new form of housing
redefines the future of urban life, satisfying changing demographics and numerous family
constellations. Thanks to the adjustable partitions and the connectable furniture system, the
design allows for easy configuration changes. "Quality meters per square meter."[3]
Advantages: high degree of adaptability, the concept of flexibility is implemented through
a modular approach, each element can work in different configurations, and the resident can
choose an individual plan configuration based on a catalog of nine elements.
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Fig.1. Viewframe and transformed interior of the Van B residence (Germany) [3].
Modern housing is increasingly being designed not as a static structure, but as an intellectually
adaptable environment capable of reflecting changes in lifestyle, technology, and space
perception. This involves not only the technical integration of "smart" systems, but also the
reinterpretation of the architectural paradigm itself. As Ben van Berkel, founder of the UNStudio
architecture bureau, emphasizes:
"What makes Van B truly special and unique is that it offers a completely new form of "smart"
life. This is not reasonable in the usual sense of technical integration; instead, it involves
reinterpreting ideas from the digital world to improve the analog, physical spaces in which we
live" [3].
This approach actualizes the role of the architect as a mediator between digital transformation
and the humanistic essence of the residential environment.
Comparing such projects with the architectural and cultural context of Uzbekistan allows us to
determine how visual expressiveness, modularity, and adaptability can enrich the practice of
low-rise residential construction while preserving its traditional features.
Including these examples in the research allows us to demonstrate current architectural trends in
modular housing, emphasizing the pursuit of balance between aesthetics, functionality, and
flexibility in spatial organization.
3. Results
3.1. Typology of Flexible Spaces.
Projects such as "Sharifi-ha House" in Iran, "Flex Block" in the Netherlands, and "Van B" in
Germany have demonstrated successful implementation of flexible solutions: mobile walls,
multifunctional niches, and two-dimensional spaces with zoning capabilities. These solutions
allow residents to independently adapt the space to current needs.
3.2. Social effect.
In families with elderly or disabled people, the flexibility of the interior contributes to a more
comfortable and safe life. Young couples can easily convert premises into work areas or
children's rooms without major changes.
4. Discussion
Adaptable housing meets the challenges of the times: migration, a changing economy, a new
family structure. However, mass construction still retains the inertia of typical layouts, which
necessitates the transformation of the regulatory framework. It is necessary to introduce design
standards that provide for at least one module in an apartment with the possibility of
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transformation. It is also important to provide for technical capabilities for re-planning
(distribution of communications, neutral construction, access to light and ventilation).
5. Conclusion
Flexible planning solutions are becoming an integral part of sustainable and human-oriented
housing design. Their implementation requires both architectural elaboration and regulatory
support. Adaptive housing not only increases comfort but also extends the building's life cycle,
making it suitable for different generations and life scenarios.
References:
1. ArchDaily. Sharifi-ha House / Next Office – Alireza Taghaboni [Electronic resource]. - The
regime is accessible: https://www.archdaily.com/542478/sharifi-ha-house-next-office-alireza-
taghaboni (data obrashcheniya: 07.06.2025).
2. MVRDV. Flex Block x Boom: Sustainable and Affordable Housing [Electronic resource]. –
The regime is available: https://www.mvrdv.com/news/4196/flex-block-boom-sustainable-
affordable-housing (data obrascheniya: 07.06.2025).
3. UNStudio. Van B: A flexible housing concept for future urban living [Electronic resource]. –
The mode is accessible: https://www.unstudio.com/en/page/18175/van-b (data obrascheniya:
07.06.2025).
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of the Typology of Buildings and Elements of Landscape Architecture of Modern Wellness
Centers. TATALOKA, 27(1), 95-115.
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CITY ENVIRONMENT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPIRITUALITY: sacred,
multiculturalism, multicultural space, model. JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING, MECHANICS
AND MODERN ARCHITECTURE, 483-490.
6. Makhamova, M. (2024). Architecture for an inclusive society: creating accessible
environments for people with disabilities, designing inclusive spaces and buildings. Science and
innovation, 3(C3), 120-149.
7. Rakhmanova, M. B. (2023). TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURAL FORMS IN MODERN
BUILDINGS IN UZBEKISTAN. JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING, MECHANICS AND
MODERN ARCHITECTURE,(2), 241-244.
8. Rakhmanova, M. B., & Murodkulova, G. Sh. (2023). DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIVE
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE PROJECTS OF CHILDREN'S TREATMENT AND
DIAGNOSTIC INSTITUTIONS IN UZBEKISTAN. JOURNAL OF ARCHITECTURE,
ENGINEERING AND MODERN TECHNOLOGIES, 2(3), 35-39.
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International Journal of Artificial Intelligence, 1(2), 1535-1539.
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ASPECTS OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE.
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