Interactive Adaptivity in Architectural Design

[EN] In architectural design, flexibility may be introduced at typology level aiming at providing adaptivity and interactivity according to the changing needs and activities of the users. In this framework, adaptive architecture derives from transformations of architectural elements in enabling separation, visual connections and unification of spaces. Adaptivity is provided at tectonic level through appropriate integration of modular units and architectural elements for enabling changeability and transformability. Interactivity refers primarily to the activities and experience of the users within the spaces, based on their visual and physical boundaries. The introduction of interactive adaptivity in architectural design is discussed based on three examples of architectural proposals made by the authors in the frame of respective European architectural competitions. The example of a university students hall traces adaptivity through the definition of open atria surrounded by the public and private spaces of the multistorey building complex. Interactivity derives from the visual and physical correlations of the spaces and their external circulation zones with the atria. The example of an extension of a public elementary school and a new kindergarten features an interactive adaptivity through the optical correlations of the classrooms with the open spaces and the possible unification of the interior spaces with the open playgrounds. The example of a multipurpose cultural centre of a municipality, features adaptivity through the interconnection of the primary spaces over an open garden that acts as a connecting point of reference for all spaces of the building. The examples analysis demonstrates that interactive adaptivity of the spaces counteracts the traditional static nature of a building and influences the experience levels of the users while accommodating daily activity and change at different rates, scales and types that take place.