What is Flexible Architecture?

When considering ‘felxible architecture’ the main idea that springs to mind is ADAPTION.

Something that is flexible must be able to change and manipulate itself so that it can easily adapt to any changes that are required. This is an idea that is extremely relevant today- flexible architecture goes hand in hand with what could be considered sustainable.

Some fuel for thought: Exemplars...

The Rotating Tower

"The tower is going to be twirling around the tall shaft. Rotation of each building block around the shaft is going to contribute in energy production for the building and neighbors. Its construction is set to begin this month! The Dynamic Architecture building has been appropriately named Rotating Tower as the floors would be rotating around an inner-tall shaft. It will be continually in motion, changing shape and giving residents the ability to choose a new view at the touch of a button. Beyond doubt, every day is a new day! Guaranteed! The external view of the building would constantly change as each floor rotates separately giving a new view of the building as it turns. According to architect, David Fisher, the building is going to be strong and flexible enough to disaster like, earthquakes as each floor rotates separately." Accessed: http://www.technologymadness.com/?cat=50




This building is forward thinking in both its approach and its use. The idea of vertical farming is the central idea
while robotic arms are able to move individual pods to various areas allowing it to be an extremely flexible building. This idea could also transcend into DISTRIBUTED + MOBILE architecture due to the nature of the pods as an individual entity that can either attach or be alone standing meaning they could be transported to somewhere else as a building block for a new context.

 Shipping container architecture is another good example of how smaller pods can be utilised to create a bigger entity. Once again, the idea of being able to be stand alone or grouped together, allows these architectural creations to have a flexible nature as well as being recycled material as another bonus!... and they further display the close connection that flexible architecture has with mobile and distributed as these shipping container pods could be converted into moving entities as well as the opportunity of re-assigning them to a new context.
Take a look at: http://design.spotcoolstuff.com/unusual-architecture/shipping-container-buildings


The Safe House in Poland








This piece of architecture is a great example of how to combine flexible architecture with security. Could this be something that Parliament House could consider in some way? Take a look at: http://sneakhype.com/home/2011/06/safe-house-in-poland.html