Author(s)

S. S. Zubir, Q. Norhisham, Y. Rahman

Abstract

Despite the current brouhaha over energy issues, the problem of sustainability is not just limited to matters of earth, water, air and environment but also should include the functional program of buildings. Therefore, architectural design must be approached creatively to meet future demands and challenges. The idea of creating large undefined flexible space is no longer a sustainable approach. This design escapade attempts to present an alternative to the current event space scenario with optimized performance of the space through juxtaposition in a proposed Institute for Mental Athletics. By creating a structure that embodies a number of programs, a single structure can truly be used all year round with minimal or no physical alteration at all. This creates a new paradigm in thinking of sustainable space. Instead of having four different event spaces to host different functions, a singular geometry that is capable of performing the same task will save space, materials and also operational cost. The proposed design of the hedron evolves but stays true to the notion that it is an object that can be manipulated with ease according to the user’s demand. The structure and service has to be independently integrated to ensure it functions efficiently just like an object. In order to appreciate the essence of spatial coherency in the hedron, one must understand how each plane of the hedron plays a different complimentary role. The complexity between the profile relationships goes beyond physical form. They function as independent surfaces, but also work together. This idea can be brought forward into other event space design that requires versatility to achieve a sustainable program.

Keywords

flexible space, architecture, juxtaposition, sustainable space, hedron, versatility