Small and complete, not less : re-designing a small apartment for two-child families in Changchun, China : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for a Master in Design at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
Loading...
Date
2021
DOI
Open Access Location
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Massey University
Rights
The Author
Abstract
In China, many families living in small apartments are facing the problem of insufficient living space, especially since the implementation of the two-child policy. This project is based on this problem, targeting families in northern China to provide them with possibilities for small apartment living with their two children. At the same time, a malleable design was made for this apartment, that is a design that accommodates changes in the patterns of family life over time. This study explores how to increase the capacity of an existing apartment to meet the needs of the family at all phases of life. Through the analysis of the life phase of each of the family members, the final result is a phased design of three modes applicable to the family. The three phases are: 1) the family model before the second child, 2) the family model after the second child, 3) the family model as the children become adults and leave home. The final design uses movable walls, multi-functional furniture and increased storage space, satisfying the family's changing needs and offering a sense of spaciousness in a relatively small existing apartment.