Open-plan in housing architecture: Origin, development and design approaches for spatial integration

Abstract

Open-plan is a term which in architecture denotes the principle of spatial integration of functions. Although it has been widely used both in science and in practice, not very much research has been directed at essential understanding of this term. Since the 1950's, when it was first introduced in the architecture glossary, open-plan has constantly been connected to the principle of flexibility and fluidity of space, but up until now, their relation has not been adequately explained. On the other hand, although open-plan is a concept used generally in all modern living spaces, as it contributes to the quality and space comfort, particularly in smaller living spaces, there has been no research that aimed to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of open-plan, as well as approaches to space integration of housing functions. This is why the aim of this research paper is to shed some light on the origin of this concept, its development in housing architecture and to present the most significant examples that applied the concept of open-plan in a characteristic way. A further aim of this paper is also to emphasize the existence of various design approaches, all contributing to the creation of specific forms of open-plan.