1st prize Hawa Student Award 2023, Leonardo Stadler, Malin Osterheider

Extra Space Instead of Empty Space 

How can existing space be used optimally? How can rooms be flexibly designed for different purposes throughout the day? The Hawa Student Award 2023 sought forward-looking solutions for urban housing. The students presented remarkable concepts and ideas for the efficient use of space.
 
How do budding architects approach the living arrangements of the future?
Anke Deutschenbaur: The winners of the Hawa Student Award 2023 encourage us to think critically about how we treat the square meterage that is not used during the day. An important part of their work was to analyze the use of spaces throughout the day. Their conclusion was that up to 40% higher utilization would be possible in existing structures. They call this idea "internal densification."

How do the students want to achieve this "internal densification"?
Anke: They propose flexible and modular structures that allow spaces to change and adapt to current needs. For example, they propose that a bedroom can be used for yoga classes during the day. These ideas are still visionary for us, because who can currently imagine making their private rooms available for public use during the day? Clearly, this kind of approach requires a change in one’s mindset. This might be brought about and accelerated by incentives such as cheaper rents, for example.

Are such flexible room structures realistic and technically feasible?
Sandro Poletti: Yes, in principle they are. Some of the designs presented are still at an early and conceptual stage. In order to develop suitable products, it is important to first define the basic use cases to ensure that they are tailored to real needs.

On the technical side, the biggest challenge lies in our own demands on the system. We attach great importance to user-friendliness. The elements need to be convenient to use, especially if they are moved several times a day. In addition, such systems must be able to withstand a high level of stress. Movable elements are only practical if they function smoothly and consistently.

The acceptance of systems like this also depends on aesthetic considerations. They must meet functional requirements and at the same time be inconspicuously integrated into the room. Many different and sometimes contradictory requirements have to be taken into account.

Is it possible to ensure the residents' need for privacy in such a concept?

Sandro: Ensuring effective acoustic separation of rooms is a key issue, in both homes and offices. However, we are convinced that effective sound insulation can be achieved through the right choice of materials and innovative product solutions. The functional requirement for high sound insulation is often in conflict with the desire for flexibility. Our goal is to find the optimal balance between privacy and flexibility. At Hawa, we recognize the importance of acoustic solutions for room partitions and have been devoted to this topic for a long time. We will continue to apply ourselves to this issue and drive it forward in the future.

Are there alternative approaches to creating flexible living space?
Anke: Among the competition entries are various concepts that achieve flexible use of space through the furniture. For example, in the runner-up project, the rooms can be expanded individually. The designers developed a catalog of components, including elements such as kitchen modules, workbenches, cabinets, sliding doors, etc. These components can be installed in an existing support grid, which allows the living space to be easily and effortlessly adapted to changing living situations or to new tenants.

If you were to draw a conclusion about the innovative approaches, what would it be?
Sandro: We face major challenges in the housing market, both economically and environmentally. More and more people are being drawn to urban centers. The available floor space is limited and must be used in a way that conserves resources as much as possible. Real estate with flexible spatial structures that allow multiple uses can provide a solution that makes a positive contribution to the use of resources.

Anke: The competition entries submitted illustrate future needs and confirm our strategic orientation. The creative approaches are inspiring because they show there are still many possibilities for optimally using and developing the full potential of spaces.