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Architecture of the Home
Regardless of individual taste, some homes are indisputably more charged, have more atmosphere and are more welcoming than others. But what is it that gives them these qualities - and what steps can those involved in housing design and construction take to ensure that they are creating a positive environment for residents?
The Architecture of the Home presents an analysis of non-measurable architectonic attributes that are indispensable to the quality of the home and are particularly important to the resident's perception of their dwelling. The attractive home, in which functional and practical aspects interact with aesthetic and sensual ones, is described in terms of seven fields of materials and detailing, axiality, enclosure, movement, spatial figures, daylight and organisation of spaces. Ola Nylander presents his detailed research in an engaging and accessible manner, and supports his argument through case studies of four apartment complexes, including interviews with residents and architects. The lessons learnt from this carefully chosen selection can be applied throughout the world in any field of housing, from the most affordable to the most luxurious.
Far too many people are still condemned to live in homes that are unattractive and inhospitable, which can have a profound effect on their sense of wellbeing and self-worth. This book offers a straightforward approach to housing design which could make such negative environments a thing of the past. The Architecture of the Home equips architects, students of architecture, housing contractors, building consultants, housing companies, landlords and all other people interested in housing issues with the tools they need to make a healthy contribution to our living environment.
The Architecture of the Home presents an analysis of non-measurable architectonic attributes that are indispensable to the quality of the home and are particularly important to the resident's perception of their dwelling. The attractive home, in which functional and practical aspects interact with aesthetic and sensual ones, is described in terms of seven fields of materials and detailing, axiality, enclosure, movement, spatial figures, daylight and organisation of spaces. Ola Nylander presents his detailed research in an engaging and accessible manner, and supports his argument through case studies of four apartment complexes, including interviews with residents and architects. The lessons learnt from this carefully chosen selection can be applied throughout the world in any field of housing, from the most affordable to the most luxurious.
Far too many people are still condemned to live in homes that are unattractive and inhospitable, which can have a profound effect on their sense of wellbeing and self-worth. This book offers a straightforward approach to housing design which could make such negative environments a thing of the past. The Architecture of the Home equips architects, students of architecture, housing contractors, building consultants, housing companies, landlords and all other people interested in housing issues with the tools they need to make a healthy contribution to our living environment.
144 pages, Paperback
First published October 18, 2002
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January 3, 2013
This book is the publication of a thesis, and it reads like one. For example, the discussion of general principles that opens the book is titled "Identifying Fields of Attributes". The strength of this book is that the principles are derived from observation. Unlike some design books, where you could say that the principles were derived from the personal experience and observation of the authors as professionals, the principles in this book are analyzed based on surveys and interviews of the professionals and the actual residents. Although the conclusions may still be specific to a limited population -- apartment dwellers in Sweden in the early 90s in this case -- they still provide a different perspective than other books.
Nylander identified seven principles that can be used to judge the livability of a home. These are
Materials and detailing: The quality of the materials and detailing of a building affect the residents' perceptions of authenticity and their sense of the home belonging to them. Higher quality finishes cause many residents to care more about the home which, in turn, increase their feelings of ownership.
Axiality: Strong visual axes strengthen understanding of the organization of the home. The extreme axiality of classical architecture can make a space feel formal (too formal, sometimes), but using axial lines to connect significant spaces can provide a sense of connection and emphasize their significance.
Enclosure: Areas of openness and enclosure give different feelings to a home. Architectural style, life stage, and even moment-to-moment changes in mood effect the degree of openness one desires. The sense of enclosure is effected by the size of rooms, the connectedness of rooms, and the "readability" of rooms (e.g., the ability of the resident to distinguish between functional spaces).
Movement: The way that a resident moves through a home effects their perception of that home. The size of the room affects the speed at which people move through it. Movement also affects our perception of function. A room with multiple entries and exits feels more public than a room with a single entry.
Spatial figure: The volume and shape of a room affects its perception. Throughout history, architects have tried and failed at defining ideal proportions. However, there are useful rules of thumb. For example, rooms that are extreme in one dimension tend to be uncomfortable. E.g., a wide, low parking garage or a tall, narrow entry way.
Daylight: People like natural daylight. The availability of large, relatively cheap windows led to their overuse in modern architecture, but most residents prefer to balance the desire for daylight and the need for privacy. Reflected light and light from multiple directions tend to be preferred to a single bright light source.
Organization of spaces: An important part of the organization of spaces is defining territory: public verses private, mine verses yours. In community settings, this organization is especially important. Residents who have some outdoor space they can call theirs inside of the space that belongs to the community have a stronger sense of ownership. Residents who do not even have space that belongs to the community feel that they have no private space.
Nylander identified seven principles that can be used to judge the livability of a home. These are
Materials and detailing: The quality of the materials and detailing of a building affect the residents' perceptions of authenticity and their sense of the home belonging to them. Higher quality finishes cause many residents to care more about the home which, in turn, increase their feelings of ownership.
Axiality: Strong visual axes strengthen understanding of the organization of the home. The extreme axiality of classical architecture can make a space feel formal (too formal, sometimes), but using axial lines to connect significant spaces can provide a sense of connection and emphasize their significance.
Enclosure: Areas of openness and enclosure give different feelings to a home. Architectural style, life stage, and even moment-to-moment changes in mood effect the degree of openness one desires. The sense of enclosure is effected by the size of rooms, the connectedness of rooms, and the "readability" of rooms (e.g., the ability of the resident to distinguish between functional spaces).
Movement: The way that a resident moves through a home effects their perception of that home. The size of the room affects the speed at which people move through it. Movement also affects our perception of function. A room with multiple entries and exits feels more public than a room with a single entry.
Spatial figure: The volume and shape of a room affects its perception. Throughout history, architects have tried and failed at defining ideal proportions. However, there are useful rules of thumb. For example, rooms that are extreme in one dimension tend to be uncomfortable. E.g., a wide, low parking garage or a tall, narrow entry way.
Daylight: People like natural daylight. The availability of large, relatively cheap windows led to their overuse in modern architecture, but most residents prefer to balance the desire for daylight and the need for privacy. Reflected light and light from multiple directions tend to be preferred to a single bright light source.
Organization of spaces: An important part of the organization of spaces is defining territory: public verses private, mine verses yours. In community settings, this organization is especially important. Residents who have some outdoor space they can call theirs inside of the space that belongs to the community have a stronger sense of ownership. Residents who do not even have space that belongs to the community feel that they have no private space.
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