The room type unit plans can be considered as a means of standardization, in which all spaces are based on co-ordinated dimensions. Although such a co-ordinated dimensioning is applied in a mid-rise linear apartment block, which imposes a different constraints and opportunities as oppose to Hong Kong residential towers, it shall be considered as a basic principles in building design.

The uses of movable partitions and movable furniture allow freedom of rearrangement of apartment layouts. The appropriateness of such a provision largely depends on the living style of the users, yet the wider application of the idea might contribute significantly to the design and construction of housing units in Hong Kong context. The internal layout with employed movable partitions allows adaptation of the apartment to new uses, new users, and changing family composition without resulting in generation of much C & D waste. The acceptability of movable partitioning depends mainly on the type of occupier, some of whom might even find it interesting. On the other hand, the fixed brick wall largely used as internal non-load bearing wall often requires the users to adapt their living style and pattern to the "designed" layout. If such a fixed layout can no longer be adapted to, the unit will usually be refurbished resulting in generation of additional C & D waste.

The half-void slab system employed generates a pattern of continuous series of half-circles on the ceiling uniquely for the users of the building. Such a uniquely integrated pattern, which can also be seen from outside, creates a visual excitement and adds character for both the inside and outside. Some of the slabs are further extended to form the balconies of certain units in a rhythmical way generating an external pattern uniquely of its own. The pattern is further enriched by the light and shades cast from the structurally integrated balconies. The monolithic image of the building block is dominated by the rhythmic pattern and structural expression, and thus being dissolved.

Extended slabs form balcony, view from inside

It is clear from this building that the employment of coordinated dimensioning does not trade off the possible rhythmic pattern in modular building design. In addition, standardized design also does not trade off the adaptability of a space. Although each unit is standardized based on a coordinated dimension, the internal usage and character of all the units are varied. Each unit is being adapted to the style and preference of the user and such a preference shall or shall not be pre-determined is still debatable. However, it can be considered as a means of reducing C & D waste in the long run.

On the other hand, there is a potential of aesthetic expression inherent in the structural elements as illustrated in this built example. The structural elements can possibly be employed as a means of architectural expression and generate a character of its own along with the standardized design.

Teramatsu, Yasuhiro ed. JA Yearbook 1998: Competition Results. Japan: Japan Architect, 1999.

"Gifu Kitagata Apartments Second Phase." Shinkenchiku:2000 5 (May 2000): 93-109.