Changeable Space as Temporary Home : A Qualitative Exploration of Life in an Experimental Student House

Abstract

Changeable Space as Temporary Home. A Qualitative Exploration of Life in an Experimental Student House. This article reports from a study of living experiences in a timebased and experimental student house, “TreStykker”i, that was designed and then subsequently constructed in Trondheim, Norway, during a student workshop in the summer of 2005. The use of the flexible solutions provided by TreStykker has made the project relevant for a reflection of “time-base” as architectural design premise. In this article, the term time-based denotes a non-permanent house, where moveable elements are used to change its interior space, adapting it to different needs from time to time. By analysing interviews and diaries of the inhabitants, three themes dealing with living experiences have emerged: (1) the dwelling as a changing scene, examining the daily use of flexibility and changeability of the Changeable Space as Temporary Home A Qualitative Exploration of Life in an Experimental Student House TOPIC: TIME-BASED DWELLING room; (2) social life as collaboration, examining issues of social life and privacy; and (3) the dwelling as image statement, examining the meaning ascribed to the house by the inhabitants. Our findings in this specific case indicate that the flexible solutions engage the inhabitants in creating their home environment. Enthusiasm in (re-)creation of the house is a way of generating attachment to a temporary home. On the practical level, the space supports various social activities, but limits privacy, and therefore collaboration between the inhabitants is needed. Further, the experimental housing form supports the contemporary lifestyle of the inhabitants. In general, aspects such as adaptability of the living space and the possibility for social interaction are considered important to increase personal attachment to one’s place even if a person only stays for a short period.

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