Universal Housing ⎯ Evaluation of the Spatial Qualities of Apartments in Albania

Abstract

Composition and spatial organisation of the dwelling can vary due to the multiple factors, such as economical, climatic and cultural, but the functional organisation of dwelling is defined by basic human activities. There is a desire in the new paradigm of construction the dwelling, which may satisfy the constantly changing needs of the inhabitants. Universal dwelling can be based on principle, so that every room can easily adopt the basic living activities without significant structural changes. Universality in use can be achieved by several techniques – by creating the spaces with equal size, access and similar spatial qualities. Contemporary housing in Albania is constructed without following of any housing space standards, which makes it important to evaluate the spatial qualities of the existing housing developments and to propose the basic guidelines for construction. Within the study 90 apartments built during last 25 years are analysed and the general tendencies of the changes of the spatial properties of the habitable rooms are explained. The concept of universality is used as an instrument, which allows to evaluate the design solutions.