Thesis (B.Sc)--University of Hong Kong, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references.

The thesis explores the possible use of parametric object definitions during capacity analysis to support Open Building design processes.The study proposes that design criteria regarding possible size, position and relation of design elements can be formulated and modeled parametrically. Then developed parametric data can be used as library objects during the exploration of dwelling unit layout alternatives. Parametric models, holding explicit design information can be shared, modified and re-used in different design cases. The process and criteria used in the study are based on S.A.R. (Stichting Architecten Research) methods described in the study, "Variations - The Systematic Design of Supports" focused particularly on residential building types. Parallel to the S.A.R methods, the study focuses on the spatial capacity analysis between a floor plate and a number of alternative dwelling unit layout arrangements. Other capacity analyses such as structural, daylight or thermal performances can be formulated and studied in a similar way, but are not included in this study.GDL (Geometric Description Language), a programming medium for ArchiCAD software, is used for the production of parametric models. The Keyenburg housing project designed by Dutch architect Frans Van Der Werf is taken as a base-building model to demonstrate the development and the use of parametric models.Keywords: Open Building, capacity analysis, parametric objects, design constraints, GDL (Geometric Description Language) / Department of Architecture

As China's economy continues to grow, the problem of meeting urban residents' diverse housing requirements has become more and more important for government, housing developers, and architects. In western countries, especially in European countries and Japan, the "open building" concept is increasingly recognized as an alternative to the conventional approach in the housing sector, and many projects have been built. This thesis asks whether changing the housing process in the market-based urban housing production system in China can provide new and profitable opportunities for those business types which already set the stage for open building implementation in selected parts of the Chinese urban housing market.The thesis first studies China's urban housing development history and the current housing market. The changing roles of housing consumers and the characteristics of the market-based urban housing production system indicate that the open building process might be useful at least in some parts of the Chinese housing market.The second focus of this thesis is a study of a townhouse, one of four popular housing types in China. A townhouse in the market is chosen as a reference to demonstrate the principles of the open building process, showing the design and technical possibilities for this method in that context.The third focus is the study of an existing decoration company with successful experience in residential projects and an attempt to show that the open building approach is a possible outgrowth of an already operating process.In conclusion, the thesis seeks to demonstrate that open building will not only benefit companies and housing consumers in China's urban housing sector, but also promote the development of sustainability in the residential sector. / Department of Architecture

This thesis focuses on the development of design constraints for use in analyzing the capacity of the residential units' floor areas in Open Building projects. Two cases are used to demonstrate the use of these constraints: a vacant office building (Kales Building) being converted to residential occupancy; a new multi-story building the lower floors of which are hotel rooms and the upper floors are residential condominium units.The thesis suggests that these constraints and the capacity analysis of residential floor areas associated with them can assist design teams, at the beginning of similar projects; provide important "added value" to clients, and contribute to the long term "sustainability" or adaptability of buildings.The first part of the thesis addresses the question of how to design a residential base building which can accommodate an optimal number and variety of fit-out unit layouts. The answer to the question links to the need for design constraints and points to their use in capacity analysis.The second part of the thesis focuses on the deduction of "constraint-designing" for Open Building residential layout. Plumbing systems, which are one of the most significant barriers to the application of Open Building, are specifically and more deeply studied in this part. A series of constraints are developed, which can generally assist in designing and analyzing floor plate capacity. . It is akin to learning to know the rules before starting a game.The third part of the thesis focuses on the demonstration of the uses of constraints in the design process of the conversion of an abandoned office building to residential uses.The last part of the thesis demonstrates the use of constraints and capacity analysis in a new multi-story condo project.In short, the paper is initially concerned with both the design concept and its application into detail levels in one of the many issues. It is a study of methods and technical rules of designing floor plan layouts when capacity analysis is the aim. / Department of Architecture

iDuring the past twenty years, China has been making dramatic progress in both the quality and the quantity of collective housing construction. However, many old problems still exist, and many more new problems have emerged, especially in some historical and compact but now fastgrowing cities, such as Suzhou, a 2500-year historic city with more than one million people.The objective of this study is to explore a design strategy to improve the collective dwelling environment --- the most popular dwelling type in China today --- in such a fast growing context. In order to provide an improvement in urban dwelling environments for residents, it is necessary to rethink the interaction between the individual resident and his or her dwelling. "Because building a house is a cultural phenomenon, its form and organization are greatly influenced by the cultural milieu to which it belongs."' In concurrence with this statement, this study examines not only the contemporary urban situation and typical residential environment but also the traditional urban fabric and housing settlement.Based on the principle that a harmonious environment results from "a whole range of sociocultural factors"Z, this study seeks several equilibriums: between the urban tissue and the building, between the building and the dwelling, between nature and the human being. The author's longterm goal is to apply the knowledge gained in this study in future practice.In the first part of this report, theoretical research is presented concerning the evolution of Chinese housing. Narrowing its geographical focus, this study selects Suzhou, a medium-size city at Yangtze Delta --- one of the most rapidly growing and developing plains in China --- as the site for the study. The historical dwelling pattern and current public housing style have been studied. Drawing on extensive research and field observation, the scope of the study is confined to rebuilding the harmony between human beings in all their diversity and common needs, and the morphological, functional and environmental aspects of residential environments.In the second part, a design model is proposed. Inspired by traditional interdisciplinary design strategies, as well as by a brief study of contemporary social needs, the author has proposed a new housing type: bio-climatic "atrium type" collective housing. This type links bioclimatic design principles to the framework of Open Building. On this basis, an experimental design proposal is next presented. In a specific site, it examines a way to help people exercise control of their immediate living environment, with both individual and social sustainable perspectives in mind. / Department of Architecture