Design elements
Flexible Space
Flexibility can be accommodated in a new project at a number of levels. The way in which blocks of accommodation are located in relation to each other can determine the overarching flexibility of the master plan. Blocks linked together around a courtyard, like a doughnut, are very flexible as space can be gained in either direction along a floorplate and vertically through well placed lifts and staircases (vertical circulation) Whereas a master plan with a number of unlinked discreet blocks is much less flexible.
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Flexibility is crucial in sustaining an efficient and versatile building. Both specialist space and general space needs to be accommodated and the width of the building, its floor to floor heights and the adoption of an internal planning grid to guide internal wall locations are important elements to consider.
The width of the building will affect the delivery of good levels of natural light and natural ventilation into the internal spaces. Buildings with deep floor plans often rely on artificial means of ventilating and lighting the space.
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The adoption of variable floor to floor heights creates the opportunity to utilise variety of volumes within the building. A more generous ground to first floor height can allow for workshop, studio or laboratory space together with large spaces such as refectories and learning resource centres. Public facing facilities and ‘retail environments’ can also benefit from the ambience created by a ‘grander scale’.
On the topmost floor the negation of intermediate columns by employing a structure that spans between the perimeter walls creates ‘column free’ space for optimum flexibility.
The use of an internal planning grid to organise and locate internal walls through alignment with window mullions and the main structure provides an opportunity to develop a efficient series of spaces with identifiable areas. These can be adapted through internal wall relocation to meet the needs of the changing curriculum.
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