A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Master of Science

Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1990

Housing development in China faces conflicts between the limited funds for the government investment and the large demand for dwelling units. In Shenzhen, a housing reform program is under way with an aim to release the financial burden of the government on housing construction by promoting self investment on housing from individual residents so as to accelerate the construction pace. The reform is carried out by commercializing housing with a result of owner-occupied dwelling units. This innovative housing program raises the question whether and how the standard layout units can satisfy individuals' needs. As the capacity for more private investment in housing is obvious in Shenzhen, the market for variations of the standard of flats is increasing. Therefore the concept of floor plan flexibility is assessed in terms of means of initial diversification and flexibility over time. The demand for flexible floor plans is confirmed by the results of survey of the owner-occupied flats in a typical housing estate. A series of prototypes of flexible floor plans is proposed based on a typical flat of 3 bedrooms and a typical household size of 3 and 4 members. Design criteria are provided to guide the design, from where a design brief is set in accordance with the relevant regulations. Possible adaptations of the prototypes are presented both by means of internal flexibility and external adaptation. Finally, implementations in terms of costs and construction management are discussed. In conclusion, the study recommends that the Shenzhen agencies in charge adopt the principles of flexible floor plans to better serve the housing market.