TRANSFORMATION IN ARCHITECTURE:

DESIGNING FOR CHANGE

Adam Schmidt
Professor Andrew Seager
thesis studio instructor
Professor Harry Eggink
thesis advisor
Doug Reddington
thesis consultant
spring 2006
 special thanks to...

Andrew Seager STUDIO PROFESSOR

Harry Eggink THESIS ADVISOR

Doug Reddington THESIS CONSULTANT

Ken and Renae Schmidt SUPPORTIVE PARENTS

I would like to thank all of these individuals

for supporting me through the journey of my
architectural thesis. Without their help this process
would have been extremely difficult. I thank them
for their time and energy they put into bringing
me to a new level of understanding architecture.

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 CONTENTS
ABSTRACT 5

BACKGROUND, ISSUES, AND POSITIONS 6-7

RESEARCH AND EXPLORATIONS 8-9

SITE ANALYSIS AND PROGRAM 10-11

FLOOR PLAN DESIGN 12-13

RESIDENTIAL COMPONENT 14-19

COMMERCIAL COMPONENT 20-23

MEDICAL OFFICE COMPONENT 24-27

TRANSFORMATIONS 28-31

CONCLUSIONS 32-33

APPENDIX 34-40

BIBLIOGRAPHY 41

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4
 ABSTRACT
How can buildings adapt to change? What are the necessary elements to create an
adaptable piece of architecture that will challenge the thinking of how buildings are designed?
There are many factors that affect how a building will change including users, functions, technology,
climate, quantity, processes. Knowing that a building will change before the design process even
begins is a first big step for the building designers in creating a piece of architecture that can change.
This thesis explores the means and methods of creating an adaptable building.
The program will have three components: commercial development, residential
development, and medical office space. Each element will be designed in such a manner that
change will be accounted for in the initial design. The change in this situation can be defined by
the different elements that can change in a piece of architecture but limited to the users, function,
quantity, climate, technology, processes. Each component will have its own identity, but each will
be designed to accommodate change. This project will have a residential component which will
increase the density of the area allowing small commercial businesses to thrive. The housing will
be able to change to accommodate new styles of living, such as catering to the urban professional
or young new couple looking to be close to the action of downtown. This component of the project
will remain housing throughout the expected life cycle of the complex. And this is true for each part
of the complex. The commercial development will also have constraints to what can be developed.
The program for this component will be restaurants, cafés, small office space, retail, and service
businesses. The same can be said for the medical offices of the complex. These spaces will be
designed specifically for these medical offices. However in the future these can also become more
traditional office spaces.
The chosen site is in downtown Indianapolis along the canal between 10th and 11th street and
will become an urban complex that will serve the surrounding community. The site is currently zoned
as a medical/research site. However, there is a strong need for more residential and commercial
development along the canal, as well as more space for medical research centers and offices, cafés,
restaurants, shops, small office space. The canal will be engaged by the architecture in a manner
which creates a sense of place and life for the pedestrian using the canal. Across the canal is a
commercial building for Indiana University Medical Information Sciences. Another advantage of
the site is the ability to connect with the Clarion People Mover, which connects the Clarion Medical
Campus. Across the street to the north side of the site is a very large Clarion Research Laboratory
which also connects with the People Mover. To the west of the site is a very large vacant lot. The
assumption must be made that these lots will also have dense urban development. Parking for the
program can be provided for on the site.
The idea of change in architecture will be the theme of this thesis but within boundaries.
It would be very unlikely a piece of architecture could be designed to fit all functions successfully.
Therefore, these components have been formulated, and each of these will be designed within the
limit of what can change within each component.

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 THESIS BACKGROUND
Throughout my life, I have been exposed to many different experiences all relating
to healthcare architecture. Growing up, I experienced the ever-changing hospitals and
healthcare buildings and with that experience, a seed of curiosity was planted with how
architects and hospitals accommodate the changing needs of the building and its users. I
wanted to explore how change can be accommodated through design. Through my thesis,
I wanted to search for possible new ways in which change in architecture can be designed
into the building. With this idea, I began my research into how architects and designers
approach the idea of built-in change. Although my original curiosity for change was focused
on healthcare architecture, I soon included into my project others areas of focus such as
residential and commercial where I could investigate change in architecture.

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 ISSUES AND POSITIONS
The most intriguing and interesting characteristics of architecture to me is how do
we, as designers, deal with change that comes about in architecture. Architecture is an ever
evolving idea, and at any one point, there can be no point that is set as permanent. This
thesis will look at the way in which designers can look at change and design for the future
and an ever transforming built environment. Through a new design, in what ways can the
design have built in aspects of change that can adapt, alter, flex, and modify the architecture
to the present needs at the same time anticipating future needs? This question has emerged
to me as a topic that I would like to investigate further. Learning about architecture, there
is one idea in architecture and life in general that has been kept constant through time, and
that is the idea that architecture and life are always changing.
My position on the matter of change is that there are many different issues that
are to be considered when you are looking at a piece of architecture. I have researched
and established which issues of change are significant to me and the idea of change. The
first question that needs to be answered is, “why design for change in architecture?” This
question can be answered by the issues that change: users, functions, quantity, processes,
climate, culture, technology, economics, and organizations. These are the most important
subject matter that I have found as to why design for change. The next question about
change is “what changes in architecture, regarding the built design?” Having researched
many different books and authors of this subject, I have broken down what changes in a
piece of architecture down into the site, structure, skin, services, space plan, and stuff, (How
Buildings Change, Stewart Brand) as well as the climate can change. Subsequently, one
has to ask “what are the impediments to change?” I have broken this down into tangible
obstacles: structure, services, and site design; and intangible obstacles: government,
economy, and architectural theory.
Lastly and most importantly, how do we design for change in architecture? I have
formulated five different approaches; some are generally accepted, and others have been
formulated by a few different researchers. The first is “demolish/ (re)build” which is today’s
generally accepted practice of change. The next is “assembly/disassembly/reassembly”
which consists of designing with parts that can be reassembled in different configurations.
The next two approaches are some what abstract and difficult to define. Using “economic
choices” is a way of dealing with change by deciding to rent, leave vacant, or find a suitable
tenant for a space that is changing. “Kinetic buildings” is the next approach which can be
defined as using technology to bring about significant changes to the piece of architecture.
On some levels, all architecture is kinetic.

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 RESEARCH AND EXPLORATIONS
The following questions are a result of my research into the topic of change in
architecture. More of the research can be found in the appendix at the end of this report.
The explorations for my thesis explored the different aspects of change in architecture.
Why design for change in architecture?
• Users • Cost analysis
• Function • Organizations
• Quantity • Cultural Shifts
• Technology • Climate
• Process
What changes in architecture?
These are the elements that I and others, such as Stewart
Brand (How Buildings Learn), have researched and have
found to be what changes in regard to architecture:
• site
• structure
• skin
• services
• space plan
• stuff
EXPLORATION 1
What are the obstacles to change in architecture? This exploration explored
• Tangible Obstacles designing a kit of parts for a
structure medical center. The program
services for the medical center included
site design nurses’ stations, patient rooms,
• Intangible Obstacles laboratories, and office space.
government The concept behind this project
economy was using Steward Brand’s
layer diagram. There were
architectural theory to be modules that could be
What approaches are the to change in architecture? combined in order to produce
• Demolish/(re)Build the multiple functions of the
• Assembly/Disassembly/Reassembly medical center. The diagram to
the right illustrates the different
• Economic Choices components that come together
• Kinetic Buildings to form one of the complete
• Open Building modules of the medical center.

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plumbing diagram electrical diagram
EXPLORATION 2 EXPLORATION 3
This project explores the technical aspect of “Open Looking at change in
Building” theory. Open Building is explained in more architecture, I explored taking
detail in the appendix of this report. The diagrams an existing old building and
above and below show the different systems of the transforming it into new uses.
building that will need to be coordinated. With this This project tried many different
project, I took the role of the many professions that approaches to change. Open
would need to used in order to coordinate such Building, assembly/disassembly,
systems. The diagram to the left illustrates the and demolish/rebuild. These
curtain wall panel system of the building. This illustrations show a few of the
system allows for the skin of the building to change. ideas explored. One idea is
The practice of open building has been in use for looking how the building floor
some time but has only recently been brought to light. plate can be cut through to
create shafts for mechanical
or circulation needs. Also
the depth of the usable floor
space was looked at and a
depth was chosen that would
satisfy a multitude of needs.

hvac diagram diagram of all systems

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 SITE ANALYSIS AND PROGRAM
The chosen site is in downtown Indianapolis along the canal
between 10th and 11th street and will become an urban complex
that will serve the surrounding community. The site is currently
zoned as a medical/research site. However, there is a strong
need for more residential and commercial development along
the canal, as well as more space for medical research centers
and offices, cafés, restaurants, shops, small office space. The
canal will be engaged by the architecture in a manner which LOOKING SOUTH TO SITE
creates a sense of place and life for the pedestrian using the
canal. Across the canal is a commercial building for Indiana
University Medical Information Sciences. Another advantage of
the site is the ability to connect with the Clarion People Mover,
which connects the Clarion Medical Campus. Across the street
to the north side of the site is a very large Clarion Research
Laboratory which also connects with the People Mover. To the
west of the site is a very large vacant lot. The assumption must
be made that these lots will also have dense urban development.
Parking for the program can be provided for on the site.

LOOKING NORTH FROM 10TH STREET (SITE TO RIGHT)

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The program will have three components: commercial Program
development, residential development, and medical office
space. Each element will be designed in such a manner that Functional Element Quantity NSF Each Proposed NSF
change will be accounted for in the initial design. The change 1 Internal medicine 2 6200 12400
in this situation can be defined by the different elements that 2 Gynecology 1 3200 3200
can change in a piece of architecture but limited to the users, 3 General Practice 2 4000 8000
function, quantity, climate, technology, processes. Each 4 Pediatrics 1 2500 2500
component will have its own identity, but each will be designed
5 Obstetrics 1 3400 3400
to accommodate change. This project will have a residential
component which will increase the density of the area allowing 6 Ophthalmology 1 3000 3000
small commercial businesses to thrive. The housing will be 7 Dermatology 1 1900 1900
able to change to accommodate new styles of living, such as 8 Plastic Surgery 1 2800 2800
catering to the urban professional or young new couple looking 9 Allergy 1 3000 3000
to be close to the action of downtown. This component of the 10 Psychiatry 1 1800 1800
project will remain housing throughout the expected life cycle
11 Neurology 1 1500 1500
of the complex. And this is true for each part of the complex.
The commercial development will also have constraints to 12 General Surgery 1 2000 2000
what can be developed. The program for this component will 13 Urology 1 2800 2800
be restaurants, cafés, small office space, retail, and service 14 Orthopedic Surgery 1 5300 5300
businesses. The same can be said for the medical offices of 15 Research Lab Module 60 350 21000
the complex. These spaces will be designed specifically for
16 Lab Offices 30 120 3600
these medical offices. However in the future these can also
17 Efficiency Apartments 10 500 5000
become more traditional office spaces.
18 1 bedroom apartment 8 750 6000
19 2 bedroom apartment 8 1150 9200
20 Loading Dock 1 2500 2500
21 3 bedroom apartment 8 1400 11200
22 Restaurant 1 10000 10000
23 Leasable Commercial, Retail Space 1 30000 30000

Total Net Square Feet (NSF) 152100

Net-to-Gross Factor 1.35
Total Gross Square Feet 205335

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 FLOOR PLAN DESIGN
Some of the circulation shall be shared which will possibly allow unforeseeable change to occur within the complex. The parking will be below street level
with access points from 10th and 11th streets. The parking will serve all functions of the building, commercial, residential, and medical office building. However,
the parking amount will be limited, and this is done to reduce the dependency on the automobile. The whole complex will be connected to the people mover will
currently connects the Clarion Health Network buildings across Indianapolis. It is possible in the future that this people mover will expand to include public
transportation to many destinations which can then serve the residents of the building and visitors such as medical patients and patrons of the commercial
businesses.

Structure is one of the most influential aspects of design in architecture than can either hinder or help a design that has been designed to allow for change.
Much thought was put towards resolving the structural system in order to keep the floor plate clear of columns. The floor plans show that the structure is very
rigid and formal but the columns are placed in a dimension that will work well for many functions and allow for change to happen.

COMMERCIAL MEDICAL OFFICE RESIDENTIAL

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APARTMENT FLOOR PLANS
SCALE 1/16”=1’
The plan shows the layout of a
one, two, and three bedroom, and
each of these is placed within the
structural bay of 20’ wide. Each
layout takes up 20’ of exterior
exposure per bedroom. Therefore
is a tenant wanted to have a two
bed room, they could expand
this apartment relatively easily
because the walls the layouts
fall within the 20’ bay easily.

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 RESIDENTIAL COMPONENT

The residential component has become a technical piece of

architecture that explores how different assembly methods can
be used in order to create a flexible building. The architecture
of the residential component reflects the nature of living in a
dense urban environment. Each apartment has the capability
to individualize its own space. The interior and exterior each
have flexibility that allows the tenant to customize their space.
The following pages will illustrate further how this is done.

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RESIDENTIAL ASSEMBLY
The model to the right and below shows
how the building comes together. In
order to allow for the plumbing and wiring
to be changed within an apartment, the
structure was handled in a non-traditional
manner. The floor slab and beams have
been turned upside down. This creates
a situation in which you can construct a
raised floor assembly which in turn then
allows for the plumbing, electrical, and any
other services to be re-routed to wherever
the need arises. Waste water piping will
not require a slope because small waste
water pumps will be installed to push the
water to the plumbing stacks. Having
the capability to move these services
underneath the floor allows the capability
to have a limitless floor plan layout
because the kitchen and bathrooms can
be located virtually anywhere. The waste
water stacks are placed adjacent to the
columns in the corner where the beams
meet the columns. An enclosure is built
around these shafts which also carry the
water supply, electrical, and data wiring.
The flat ceiling then allows the HVAC
ducts to run freely in any direction because
there are no beams to maneuver around.

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1. structure 2. plumbing 3. walkway assembly 4. floor assembly

A B C

APARTMENT EXTERIOR
The diagrams above demonstrate the different exterior facade changes that
could happen to the building facade. There are different materials , window
assemblies, and walkway assemblies that can be used in order to alter the
exterior wall of the apartments. The changes are dictated by the concrete
structure and the walkway assembly. These changes are determined by
the owner of the building and the renter or owner of the apartment unit.

1. structure 2. plumbing 3. walkway assembly 4. floor assembly

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 INTERIOR ASSEMBLY
This series of renderings show
the assembly from the interior of
a typical apartment. The order
in which this assembly occurs
is not necessarily the order the
construction would take place.
5. exterior wall assembly 6. apartment configuration A 7. apartment configuration B

D E F
Raised floor assemblies, placement
of vertical plumbing shafts, flexible
wall partitions, changable exterior
wall systems, and tall floor to floor
height construction are all ways
in which this component was
designed for change. Each of
these assemblies allow for change.

EXTERIOR ASSEMBLY
These illustrations demonstrate
the assembly of the apartment
from an exterior perspective.
Different systems come together
to create a piece of architecture
that becomes flexible for the
different users of the apartment.
5. exterior wall assembly 6. apartment configuration A 7. apartment configuration B

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 SECTIONS

RESIDENTIAL WALL SECTION SCALE 1/2”=1’-0”

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The sections show how the services that run throughout the building will be handled. In order to allow for the plumbing and wiring to be changed
within an apartment, the structure was handled in a non-traditional manner. The floor slab and beams have been turned upside down. This creates a
situation in which you can construct a raised floor assembly which in turn then allows for the plumbing, electrical, and any other services to
be re-routed to wherever the need arises. Waste water piping will not require a slope because small waste water pumps will be installed to push the
water to the plumbing stacks. Having the capability to move these services underneath the floor allows the capability to have a limitless floor plan layout
because the kitchen and bathrooms can be located virtually anywhere. The waste water stacks are placed adjacent to the columns in the corner where
the beams meet the columns. An enclosure is built around these shafts which also carry the water supply, electrical, and data wiring. The flat ceiling
then allows the HVAC ducts to run freely in any direction because there are no beams to maneuver around. The exterior air conditioning units
are placed within the plenum space between the floor and ceiling. These can be placed wherever they are needed and will be screened by vegetation
growth which will grow on panels attached to the exterior corridor assembly. High ceilings allow for the services to be changed with relative ease.

RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL SECTION SCALE 1/16”=1’-0” 19

 COMMERCIAL COMPONENT

The approach that was taken for the commercial component was the typical manner in
which most commercial spaces are built today. Most commercial spaces are constructed
as shell space, and then individual tenants fit out their space. Through research, I have
found that this is in my opinion the best manner in which to build commercial space. Most
commercial spaces have a very quick turnover rate. Each tenant will have freedom over
the design of their facade and interior space. As the illustrations that follow show, each
facade will be specifically designed according to the tenant’s specifications. I have taken
the liberty to design each of these spaces. However the reality of this project would be
that many different designers would come together to create this piece of architecture.
This can be said for the entirety of the building. Many different designers would come
together with the owner and engineers to create this changeable piece of architecture.

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1. structure BASE BUILDING FIT OUT
The commercial shell space will allow for businesses
to occupy the amount of space they need. Many
commercial businesses will grow and shrink, and
an approach of a typical office building construction
was assumed in this situation. The base building
will be constructed, and within this space, each
business will have its own tenant build out. This
practice has been done for many years and has
2. shell space proven to be a very good way in which to deal with
change. The façade design of the commercial
spaces will be entirely up to each tenant and their
architect. However each façade design will have to
have the approval of the building manager/owner.
The manager/owner can have building guidelines
written that architects of the build outs must follow.

3. store front A

4. store front B

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 INTERIOR SPACES
The photo to the left shows the empty shell space within
the commercial component. This space illustrates
the minimum bay width in which the structure creates.
The HVAC system runs through the space from above
branching from a service corridor. The illustrations
to the right show a series of possible functions
within the commercial shell space. The commercial
space shown are bars and restaurants. However,
these space could easily become any other type of
commercial space such as retail or small office space.

COMMERCIAL SECTIONS
The sections show the commercial shell
space which will allow for change in function
to take place. The drawings also show
how the plumbing and electrical shafts
for the apartments and medical offices
will connect down through the commercial
space. The commercial space is served by
a service corridor, highlighted in yellow
that runs through the space in a north and
south direction. The corridor divides the
34’ high space facing the canal and the
20’ high space on the opposite side. The
corridor will connect with the loading dock
and mechanical space at the north end
of the building on 11th Street. A service
elevator will connect the lower canal
level to the street level. The plumbing
needs for most commercial development
will be small, but connection will be able
to take place along the service corridor.

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The structural bay will be laid out in a regular dimension.
Because of the corridor links the mechanical space
to the entirety of the commercial space, the HVAC
ducts can be run through the corridor to supply the
commercial space. Many interface connections
to the main HVAC ducts will be able to be made
which will allow for the infinite configurations for the
various functions that will be in the space. It must
be explained that there will be a limit to the type of
functions that will be occupying the commercial space.
The scope of the functions will be strictly limited to
commercial businesses such as restaurants, cafés,
retail shops, small groceries, and small businesses.

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 MEDICAL OFFICE COMPONENT

The medical office component will take an approach of the open building theory. This means
that there is recognition that change will occur and that the parties involved will coordinate
together to resolve the issues of change in the project. There has been five aspects of
design and construction that will be implemented into the design of the medical office
component. Each of the following will allow for change to take place with relative ease:
• service slots through floor plate
• flexible wall system
• shell space
• raised floor system
• high ceilings

The medical office building will operate and change to its fullest capacity. However, with all
things medical, obsolescence will occur to much of the equipment and building. After much
of the medical office building becomes obsolete for healthcare purposes, this part of the
building may become typical office space and follow the pattern of traditional office buildings.

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 MEDICAL SUITES
The purpose of this serious of renderings is
to demonstrate how a medical suite can be
transformed from one type to another. The
approach taken is very simple and comparable to
that of the commercial shell space. The section of
the building that is shown is the northwest corner
of the medical office component. Medical Suite
A is designed to be that of an internal medicine
practitioner. The layout of the space is typical to
what is needed functionally, and fundamentally
the layout is very similar to that of Medical Suite
B. However, the layout of Medical Suite B is
for that of a dermatology practitioner. What the
different between this design and what is typically
MEDICAL SUITE A
done by today’s standards is the fact that the
MEDICAL SUITE B service for each of the suites can be changed
relatively easily. A service wall runs adjacent to
the space and allows for all of the services to be
placed wherever they are needed. Each of these
suites have examination rooms, small operating
rooms, waiting areas, office area, and laboratory
space. The requirements for the lab spaces and
operating rooms are very extensive. The HVAC
systems need to be upgraded often for these
spaces and having the service wall adjacent to
these spaces allows that upgrade to occur easily.

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MEDICAL OFFICE WALL SECTION SCALE 5/8”=1’-0” MEDICAL OFFICE EXTERIOR
The series of renderings to the right
illustrate how the medical office building
is constructed. However, the order which
is shown is not necessarily the order
in which it will actually be constructed.
The rendering on the end shows the
photovoltaic panels that can be added.
1. structure
MEDICAL OFFICE INTERIOR
The sequence of renderings to the
right show how the construction of
the interior of the medical building
comes together. Notice the slot cut
into the floor plate to allow for services
to run vertically through the building.

MEDICAL OFFICE SECTIONS

The typical section through the medical office building shows how the circulation
corridor will be parallel with a service corridor that will house the vertical shafts. The
width of the usable floor area has been determined to be the average depth that is
suitable for many of the clinics to be placed within the medical office building. The
structure is similar to that of the residential structure which is the typical column and
beam structure has been turned upside down. Having done this, there will be a raised
floor assembly that will match with the top of the beams creating a plenum space that
will house plumbing, electrical, and data runs. There will be virtually no need to have
slopes for the waste water, because 0-slope pumps will be utilized. The flat side of the
floor plate has been turned down to allow again for the HVAC to maneuver freely within
the plan. The height of the medical office floors will also be 14’, higher than that of the
residential height which is 12’. Since the ceiling is the flat side of the floor plate, much
of the medical equipment that will be needed can easily be mounted. Steel plates and
angles can easily be anchored into the concrete floor slab for the equipment assemblies.

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2. HVAC and plumbing stacks 3. medical suite A 4. medical suite B

MEDICAL OFFICE SECTION SCALE 1/8”=1’-0” 27

 proposed change

TRANSFORMATION
These renderings show what I
propose to be the change that
happens through time. The base
building shows the beginning stage
of the building. The proposed
changes will take place over
time. The renderings on this page
show the east facade, and on the
opposite page, the west facade. base building

28
 proposed change

base building

29
 proposed change
TRANSFORMATION
The illustrations here show the changes
that could occur on the south facade,
(this page) and the north facade
(opposite page). These are only
proposed changes that would take
place under a one architect project.
However, the reality of this project is
that there would be many different
architects working on this change. base building

30
 proposed change

base building

31
 CONCLUSIONS

There has been much input and feedback from many advisors to this project. Many of the issues with this project came about through what
approach to take in designing for change. Originally, I had taken the approach that each component (medical office, commercial, residential) could
be designed into the building, and each component could effectively be transformed into any of the other components. However, as the project
progressed, I found that each component wanted to change different through time, and my approach changed to design each component in a
manner in which change occurred within that component and typically stayed the same function. Another issue that I would revisit if I were to do
the project again is to address the east and west facades in a different manner. The west facade should have been integrated into the canal much
better, and that integration should have been pulled through the building to the east facade. The true test of this project would be to present this
to a developer and/or contractor to get their feed back as to whether or not this project could be built and to sell them the idea of built-in change.

32
This project is far from complete. The main question asked was “how do we design for change?”. The very nature of this question make it impossible
to have a definitive complete answer. Change is inevitable and constantly happening, therefore there can never be an explicit manner in which we
design for change. One aspect is definite in the design process of architecture, and that is the fact that there will be change that will occur, foreseen and
unforeseen. What we must do as designers is try to recognize as much of this change at the front end of any and all projects.
This will allow us to create pieces of architecture that will become more sustainable and accommodate much more
than today’s archetypical building design. I have learned much from this thesis process. I have learned that
it is possible to design for change once there is recognition that change will occur. Throughout
my career, I will be aware of this change and believe this will make be a stronger
designer. I feel that as other designers become more conscience
about this topic this will better the world in which we live.

33
 APPENDIX
Why design for change in architecture?
Users – The rate at which users of a structure change Function – This is the second of two most common reasons that
today is much faster pace than they have been we would think of when something changes in architecture. The
in the past. Our world is moving faster, and this function can change from one think to a completely non-related
is in part due to the technology revolution. Many function, or it can change to a variation or similar function as
structures change users daily, and other structures the original. This is probably the most important aspect when
may change yearly, but the fact remains that designing for change. If the program of the building is very
typically the structure is designed to last longer than narrow, and the building is designed specifically for that program
its occupants need for its use. Therefore, we must in all aspects, then it will lead to much difficulty in changing the
know this in the design process and know there program of that building. However, when you take into account
will be different user groups that will be using the that the function will change, you can plan for those accordingly
structure. in the program and design of the building.

Quantity – The quantity is probably one of the two Process – This is a very important piece of the design if you are
most common reasons that we would think of when designing for change. The process of the manner in which we
we think of change in architecture. Expansion, work, live, and play changes constantly. This should also be
additions, and extensions are great for business taken into account when designing for change. As designers we
in architecture, but on the other hand sometimes know that our way of living changes depending upon a number of
unknown factors. One example is that of the proliferation of the
there are contractions. Businesses shrink and do internet and the computer revolution. These inventions changed
not need as much space as before. This growth/ how we shop and do business in our lives. Many of us shop online
shrinkage can come from booming economy, now compared to getting in the car and going to the store. The
declining economy, or advent of new technologies same can be said about business. More and more business is
into the business reducing the need for labor. conducted online, and this can lead to a decrease in the amount
of work space needed for any business.

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Climate – This is probably one of the most common reasons why we design Technology – This is an obvious reason to design for change
the way we do in architecture. The weather and natural environment in this day and age. We all know now that technology
can be a harsh landscape for humans. Cold winters and ice, and heat changes faster than we can blink our eyes. Technology has
and blazing sunlight in the summer are the extremes of weather that a very wide field that we could design for, but in most cases
we design our buildings to control. Our designs are meant to keep we limit in a design what technologies we use. We should
occupants warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Almost every look at the possibility that there may be a need for unknown
building design takes the climate into account. As long as humans are technologies to be added later to a structure.
occupying architecture, there will be the need to control out environment
to keep us safe and comfortable.

Organizations – Relating to users, organizations maybe

change. They do not necessarily mean that a new group
of users come in, but it might mean that the users may
rearrange their organization. This might mean that their
needs will change. One example may be that of a business
organization. Businesses restructure their companies due
to market conditions. They reorganize in order to stay
Cultural Shifts – Our society and culture is continually evolving, and competitive, and as designers, we must be aware of this and
this also needs to be an area that needs to be thought about during the our clients’ need that might arise to reorganize.
design process. This is a very elusive aspect in the regard that it is not
easy to predict these future changes. A prime example is the design for Cost analysis – The cost of constructing buildings is always an
Ball State’s Architecture Building; within the original building, there was issue. When we look at coming unforeseen changes, many
only accommodation for a men’s restroom on each floor. There was no times the cost can be prohibitive. It may be too expensive to
women’s restroom in the whole building. However, as we all know now, demolish and change to what we need. The structure maybe
there has been a movement to make women equal in today’s society. unusable do to the fact that it was not designed for change
There has to be some thought put into what the most up-to-date cultural and may become obsolete. Even when it is possible to
standards are at the time of any design as well as hopefully being ahead demolish, it maybe cost ineffective to rebuild in the previous
of the curve and designing for the possible future. structure. It may not fit with what is needed.

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 APPENDIX
What changes in architecture?
One important question that must asked is: “what changes in architecture?”
This hits on the essence of what I want to know which is how do we design
for change knowing what we have to work with at this point. These elements
are the elements that I and others (How Buildings Learn, Steward Brand) have
• Climate Changes - The climate is a very important element
of change. As designers, we design our buildings to control our
researched and have found to be what changes in regard to architecture:
• In most cases, we know that the site will not change. Although there climate around us. We use very technical ways in which to do this.
are cases in which we can design buildings that are mobile, and some
that are usually not mobile but that can still be moved.
• The structure is the foundation and load-bearing elements which are
prohibitively expensive to change, so in most cases, it is not changed
nor designed to be changed. I believe that it might be possible to
have this structure changed, and I say this because there might be a
revolution of technology again.
• The skin of a building can change and does change, and it does so
in a relatively short time line in regard to the structure of the building.
The skin is change in order to keep up with style or technology, or for
repair.
• Within the guts of most buildings, there are the services which
supply the users with everything they need to function within the
structure. The services include the electrical/telecommunication
wiring, plumbing, sprinkler system, HVAC, and permanent equipment
such as elevators and escalators. Services are very important
in designing for change. If services are incapable of changing or
incompatible with new technologies, they building as a whole may
become obsolete and worthless.
• The function or space plan is the other area that architects work
within in order to accommodate a client’s changing needs. The interior
layout includes the walls, ceilings, floors, and doors. All in which can
be changed relatively easy if they are designed in a way that allows
them to be changed easily. This area is one that should be looked at
more intently when designing for change.
• The last and easiest element of a building to change is the stuff inside
of it. This includes everything from chairs, desks, phones, pictures,
kitchen appliance, lamps; nearly everything that can be picked up and
moved around easily daily or monthly. This is what people will change
first when they want to bring about change.

(How Buildings Change, Steward Brand)

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What are the obstacles to change in architecture?
• Tangible Obstacles – This general heading can and • Intangible Obstacles – Again this heading leads
does include countless reasons as to why change cannot be to a list that is neither complete nor absolute, and these are
brought about within a building. Speaking in general terms, the all ways that keep change from coming about. There are
structure is one element of a building that definitely inhibits again innumerable ways in which obstacles can manifest
change. Suppose a new function requires that the structure themselves, and all of these obstacles are speaking in general
carry additional load that it was not designed for, the structure terms. Government regulation, “Red Tape”, and the law
would keep that function(s) from happening. Another example are all barriers when speaking in terms of change within
might be that where a load bearing column or wall comes down architecture. The building may not be up to code and it could
and is incapable of not being moved. This will clearly hinder any be deemed unusable by that governing body. Trying to get
new function that needs to have that space clear. The services permits and contracts to go through the government slows
of the building can be the worst of these problems. There are down and sometimes stops the whole process of bringing
innumerable cases where services such as HVAC, plumbing, and about change in architecture. There may be local, state
electrical have gotten in the way of progress and change. Some or federal ordinances or zoning codes that will have to be
of these are easier to deal with than others. Electrical wiring for changed in order for a new function to come in, and this can all
example, can be re-routed to other locations, around elements, or be an obstacle to change. The economy is a profound area
in the case of data, it can be wireless. In regard to plumbing, the that needs to be understood for projects to happen. From an
pipes are not very flexible however there are newer systems to economic point of view, there has to be sufficient financing of a
deal with plumbing such as flexible plastic tubing for supply lines, project in order for it to take place. Financial analysis has to be
and waste water pumps for zero slope piping for the water removal. done to prove that a new function will be a viable one as well
However, in a large building dealing with the HVAC can be a as cost effective. Maybe the market conditions are right for the
cumbersome task. These systems take large volumes of space change to take place. This is simply explained by looking at the
within a buildings infrastructure. These systems are large and supply and demand for a new function or service. One of the
sometimes placed in locations that make it impossible for them to most talked about areas of change in architectural education
be changed out. The ducts themselves require much thought and is that of the evolution of architectural theory. This can
work to reorganize them to make for the best internal environment. be an obstacle to change in that fact that current thinking is not
This system is not touched unless it is necessary. Therefore it can progressive and change can be stymied by this. There might
be a hindrance to change. One last example of a physical obstacle be a resistance to accept the new ideas in architecture. This
may be the site design. Thought might not have been put to the can be from both the clients and the designer. Some clients
idea that a project might expand on the site. This is a barrier to and designers want to stay with a particular line of thinking,
change. These are the physical hindrances to change that I have and this is definitely a barrier to new thinking and to change
found to take place within a building. more importantly.

37
 APPENDIX
How do we deal with change in architecture?
• Assembly/Disassembly/Reassembly - This approach takes on the design of a facility with the mind set that
it will go through a process of assembly, disassembly, and reassembly according to what functions are called for in the program.
The design process for this type of approach is to have a set of parts that one can design from with the knowledge that these parts
will be assembled and then disassembled and reassembled into a new function using the same set of parts. In most cases, the
designs are designed with prefabricated components off the shelf. Using a “kit of parts” can shorten the construction time there by
making the building capable of changing in a relatively short period of time. This idea becomes very sustainable due to the fact that
you re-use and recycle most of the materials. Today, the idea of constructing sustainable buildings is becoming more and more
mainstream.

• Demolish/(re)Build – When looking at an existing building, the usual course of action is to demolish part of it and clear it
out to make way for the new whether that be a new function or just updating the building. Once this is done, then the new construction
takes place within the building shell. This method is one of the most traditional methods of dealing with changing functions in most
buildings that require adaptive reuse, which includes demolition and rebuilding. In some cases, just bringing in new furniture and/or
equipment can change the function. The key issues with this method that have to be dealt with include demolishing part of the
permanent structure including electrical, HVAC, and plumbing. Adding new wall partitions, electrical wiring, plumbing, HVAC, and
new equipment are all elements which need to be redesigned in order for the new function to work. These disciplines can be difficult
to deal with, because in some cases, the interfaces between the old and new may not work in relationship to each other.

38
• Kinetic Buildings – These are buildings • Open Building - Open building is a practice of design and construction according
that move in order to bring about change. There are to analysis of both current requirements and provision for unknown future uses and
many different examples of this around the world, and technical upgrading. The basic elements of open building can be broken down into
for the most part, most of the buildings are kinetic three systems. There is the primary system, secondary system, and tertiary system.
due to the fact that they have HVAC, plumbing, and The primary system is the first and base of the latter two systems. The primary system
consists of the programmatic requirements such as the structure, cores for services,
electrical wiring that make the building come alive. and main circulation such as elevators and stairs that will be fixed. The secondary
However, I believe the definition of a kinetic building system is to be adjustable which can include interior partition walls, flooring, ceiling,
is a building that dramatically changes according to building technology such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing. These systems should
its environment and/or users needs. These buildings be designed in order to be replaced with updated and new systems with interfaces that
use very advanced technologies to control light, views, are inter-connectable in the future. This secondary system should have a life span of
and environmental changes a building might undergo. nearly 20 years. Once the secondary system has reached an operable level, the tertiary
Examples might include mechanized sun shades systems are installed. This includes the building equipment that can be moved easily
that protect against heat gain as well as control day- without change to the primary or secondary systems. The tertiary systems are to last
lighting. for approximately five to ten years. Open building design method takes the approach
that many different professions, consultants, and clients/owners will be making ongoing
decisions in order to keep the design going. This approach works very well for a program
that is very difficult to come to definite programmatic functions, such as a hospital with
its ever-changing needs. Using the open building thinking, designers try to anticipate the
future needs and plans for those accordingly and to think of a design as an ever-changing
piece of architecture. The following is a list of the basic principles of open building:

• The idea of distinct levels of intervention in the built environment, such as those
represented by base building and fit-out, or by urban design and architecture.
• The idea that users or inhabitants may make design decisions, as well as
• Economic Choices - Leaving the space
professionals.
• The idea that, more generally, designing is a process with multiple participants
open and vacant, or mothballing it until the need arises including many kinds of professionals.
again for that function is another option. Another • The idea that the interface between technical systems allows the replacement of
option along that line is the opportunity to rent that one system with another performing the same function. (As with different fit-out
space out to a client that requires that specific spatial systems applied in the same base building)
requirement. These options do not include architecture • The idea that built environment is in constant transformation and change must be
as a solution. However, these options are still viable recognized and understood to enable professionals to be effective.
when faced with the idea of changing functions or • The idea that built environment is the product of an ongoing, never ending design
changing users. process in which environment transforms part by part.

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 APPENDIX
Why design for change in architecture?
INO Hospital
INO is a major health care center in Bern, Switzerland. It is a
hospital for intensive treatment, emergency care and major
surgery. Almost a decade ago, the hospital administration
of the INO Hospital decided to embark on a major expansion
program adjacent to and connected with the existing center.
For seven years, the hospital facilities team failed to settle on
a sufficiently detailed program of requirements to enable
an architecture team to begin the design process. Each year,
a major component of the facility plan changed, because
of forces outside the control of the hospital administration.
Codes changed, the market for services shifted, new medical
technology was introduced, new doctors required different
facilities, and insurance standards and standards of care
changed. When the decision was made to expand, the
traditional idea for developing a program of requirements for
hospitals assumed that it was more economical and easier to
optimize construction if the “whole” was comprehended at
once, with all its dependencies. But very complex buildings like
hospitals appeared to be organized for optimal performance
on other principles. The “whole” of such complex buildings
always seem to come into existence over time, and are
evolving rather than static. Facing the prospect of continued
difficulties in accomplishing the expansion program
following the traditional programming paradigm, the hospital
administration accepted the advice of a consultant and
completely changed its planning strategy. It ordered an
“open building”, with specific and detailed “accommodation
capacity” for a range of programmatic scenarios. Its aim was
to construct a facility built in such a way as to balance stability
and change.

40
 BIBLIOGRAPHY
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