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Volume :37 Issue : 143 2011
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Interchangeable Use in Domestic Space.
Auther : Dr. Mohammed Bin Abdul A. Al-Shraim
Interchangeable use is one of the effective approaches to minimize building cost and make home ownership more affordable. It relies basically on increasing the potential of a single space to accommodate more than one function rather than specifying an exclusive space for each activity. Such an approach was effectively used in several traditional communities. This study seeks to explore the potential of employing this concept in contemporary affordable housing without reducing efficiency, by identifying the spaces that are most appropriate for interchangeable use, knowing the effect of furnishing, and how the presence of guests affect the daily use of domestic space.
More than 150 questionnaires were handed out to the residents of the King Saud University staff in Riyadh, 33 acceptable forms were returned. The analysis followed the case study approach. Results showed that the men's reception room was the space most used interchangeably, for activities that were neither conflicting in time nor with the furniture layout. The study confirmed that temporally under-used spaces are more amenable to interchangeable use whenever left unused, especially by activities that suit their spatial characteristics and furnishing layout. The study concludes with several recommendations helping designers to employ the interchangeable use approach to reduce the number of spaces needed in affordable residential units. In addition, it presents several solutions pertaining to the use of space, minimizing conflicting activities, and furnishing layout.