@phdthesis {1811,
	title = {Flexibility Evaluation of Housing Spaces: Influence of Partitions},
	year = {2013},
	month = {2013-12-09 00:00:00},
	pages = {409},
	school = {Universidade do Minho},
	abstract = {
The research developed in this thesis aims to establish criteria for architectural design,
focusing on systems of partitioning and furnishing, concentrated on improving the
environmental performance and comfort conditions in existing and projected architectural
dwellings, through the use of flexible solutions. Using the software Rhinoceros and its Plug-in,
Grasshopper, it was developed a method called Evaluation of the Degree of Project Flexibility,
to assess the flexibility of architectural projects. The case studies were selected from housing
architecture projects, which belong to the history of architecture with their own flexibility
characteristics. The projects are separated into two categories: Single-family and Multifamily in
order to assess in detail two similar typologies but with different constructive characteristics.
For each case the following parameters were assessed: areas, external vertical envelop and
internal partitions. The results reported on the design flexibility level of each inner partition
and/or the outer envelope. The degree of intrinsic flexibility of a dwelling has great potential to
provide a more sustainable performance throughout its life cycle, extending their life and
reducing impacts, responding to major social changes without subjecting itself to significant
changes. Parallel to the development of the method for the Evaluation of the Degree of Project
Flexibility, a flexible partition system, called Folder Wall System (FWS), was also established.
The FWS is a modular system of internal partition light weight and easy to use, able to change
the internal space as the requirements of the residents. The system will be successively
adapted as part of shading for facades and called as Folder Wall System Facade (FWSF). In
order to assess the degree of spatial flexibility within of the FWS system as an element of
compartmentalization, this solution was applied in two conventional projects, previously
studied. A theoretical unit single-family housing design was developed Then we developed a
housing project of a theoretical unit, in order to test the full potential of the flexible systems
designed.
},
	keywords = {Architecture, Arquitetura, Avalia{\c c}{\~a}o, Compartimenta{\c c}{\~a}o, Evaluation, Flexibilidade, Flexibility, Subdivision},
	url = {http://hdl.handle.net/1822/28809 },
	author = {Devico, A. and Mendon{\c c}a, P.}
}