Flexibility in Studio Apartments for Interior

Planning

A Review of residential studio apartments, using flexible design

strategies for interior planning for carpet area less than 35 sq. m. in
Bhendi Bazaar, Mumbai
RESEARCH PAPER
Allana College of Architecture
Research in Architecture – II

Aliasgar Bharmal
Fo. Y. B. Arch 2021-22
 Flexibility in Studio Apartments for Interior Planning
A Review of residential studio apartments using flexible design strategies for interior
planning for carpet area less than 35 sq. m. in Bhendi Bazaar, Mumbai

Aliasgar Bharmal
Student of Architecture
aliasgarthegreat94@gmail.com

Abstract
Flexibility in Architecture is one of the most needed approaches in architectural and
interior design, especially in densely populated areas. Due to high population and
expensive floor space, the users have evolved to use a particular space, differently at
various times of day. It is a designer’s responsibility to gain this flexibility in space using
multiple furniture items and design considerations.

Keywords
Flexibility in Architecture, Interior Design approaches, Furniture Design, Multi-purpose
spaces, Studio apartments

INTRODUCTION
The term flexible has been associated with architecture
since a long period of time. The concept a space being
flexible and that it can be used for multiple purposes is
very fascinating and interesting in terms of Concept.
Despite it being a very good as concept, the application
of same is very challenging. In today’s context flexible
architecture is very much required. Changing lifestyles,
modernisation and globalisation, ease in transport and
communication have paved to migration of people.
Hence, contrasting to older ideology, people now tend
to migrate to other cities for better opportunities and
needs a living space there. This migration is temporary
and hence, a permanent solution of buying the property and customizing it is not a
practical approach. Flexibility in architecture is not only confined by open plans, and
using incomplete design strategies but needs to be properly planned and designed to
cater to changing requirements and needs of the user. The space is to be designed in
manner that it has a primary use and also a few a secondary use. A few historical
examples of India can be seen, having a semi private, informal space, which acts as an
extended space for the primary spaces.
STUDIO APARTMENTS
Apartments are categorised on multiple factors, one of them being
the carpet area. Generally Studio Apartment is defined as a small
apartment in which the normal functions, of multiple rooms i.e.
living room, bedroom and kitchen, are combined into a single
room. The main aim of this typology is to carter to a Bachler or
single person. These apartments have an average carpet area
varying from 20-30 sq. m. or even less than that. In highly
populated areas, this objective is lost and at times, 3-4 membered
families also stay in these apartments.

BHENDI BAZAAR, MUMBAI

Bhendi bazaar is a market place situated in south Mumbai. It is densely populated area
with around 1,19,988 Persons per Sq. Km. According to the book ‘Buildings of Bombay’,
Bhendi Bazaar was developed as a chawl, or like a dormitory fashion. The houses were
design to accommodate single men, who had migrated to city for earning a livelihood. It
is a mixed used space, with long narrow
Structures, sharing a common wall with shops
present on ground floor and studio apartments on
the above floors. Majorly the overall heights of the
structures are in the range of G+3 to G+6.
FLEXIBILTY OF SPACES
Studio apartments being very compacted, it
becomes essential to use the same space different
at various times of day. There are some temporary
yet repetitive events that should be accommodated
within the structure. A flexible architecture is
considered as a potential strategy for the future plan.
This is majorly practised in an organic manner in
majority of studio apartments, around India. Use of
furniture like cupboards as partition, murphy beds,
Sofa-cum-bed, etc. help in gaining these flexibility in
spaces. At times in apartments there is no dedicated
kitchen space, but the living area and connecting
passage transfer into food preparation space or
dinning space.

RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS

Methodology
To understand the importance of flexibility in a space and to achieve it, 3 live case
studies were done. These case studies were chosen depending on many factors such
as carpet area, planning, services, etc. A schematic plan and interior layout was
created, and the tenants were interviewed. The perspective and challenges faced by the
tenants were recorded. The observations from these case studies were recorded and
analysed, and recommendations were provided. Newer trends were studied and applied
while providing conclusions
Case Study – 1
A Studio apartment in Chawl system of Bhendi Bazaar.
Owner – Mr. Mustafa Nalwala.

Introduction
This house is situated in chawl system of bhendi bazaar. It basically consists of central
staircases and peripheral service line, along with long passage/corridors running along
the length of the structure, giving access to all the rooms. These kind buildings are
usually very old and made using wooden structural systems. One the important fact of
this typology is that rectilinear plans are derived, i.e. 10’ x 40’ or 10’ x 30’, making it
compulsory to make the space multi-functional.
Observations
 House is designed in such a manner that main access is from the corridor and
wet areas share a common wall.
 Due to rectilinear plan, the rear end is used as living room due to maximum
natural and ventilation.
 The kitchen is more like a passage between entrance and living room, with a
cooking station and storage.
 The partitioning is done to create storage cabinets and wardrobes wasting less
space in partitioning.
 Living room itself is converted into sleeping space by alternating a few furniture
items.
 The corridor space at the front is used as semi-formal buffer, for storing extra
items, shoes and other items.
 The door leading to bathroom has a buffer space of 2’6”, used as changing room
and also a storage for bathroom items.
 General dinning is done in kitchen and hall.
Case Study – 2
A Studio apartment in Apartment system of Bhendi Bazaar.
Owner – Shk. Mohammad Taj.
Introduction
This house is situated in old apartment system of Mumbai. It doesn’t comply with BMCC
rules of vertical circulation, fire escapes, lift and elevators etc. The basic planning is
somewhat similar to newer apartments i.e. having long single stairs, small
corridor/passage spaces, and multiple rooms with natural and ventilation, service ducts
for water supply and drainage.
Observations
 The typical floor plan is such that it has smaller passages and direct access to
houses.
 The interior layout is very flexible and is majorly free of any obstruction.
 A dedicated wet space is allotted, which won’t flexible.
 The furniture items such as bed, table, cabinets, wardrobes, etc are movable and
very flexible.
 The sofa converts into a bed at night, and hence the living space is used as
sleeping area.
 Windows having cantilevers are converted storage units and balconies emerging
out through the structure.
 The kitchen and living area are separated using a curtain, making a private
space in the kitchen while using it.
 The living area which during eating time is used as dinning space is also
provided with a foldable dinning,
requiring much less area than our
ordinary table.
 The living area is fitted with carpet and
hence can be used as Indian seating.
Case Study – 3
A Studio apartment in Hybrid system of Bhendi Bazaar.
Rented by – Ahmed Sethwala
Introduction
This house is in hybrid structure where the ground floor consists of shops and other 3
floors consist of studio apartments. The main focus to study this case was to know more
about interpretation of commercial and residential typology and it functioning in a
compact space. The flexible use of 18’ height as multiple floor plates is seen.
Observations
 The floor plan is more and less same on all floors with services ducts at the edge
and rear end.
 The section of building differs, due to commercial space at the ground level, the
overall height of structure differs and there two levels on the longer edge and
hence difference in floor levels of different apartments.
 Within a studio apartment there is
mezzanine created, which is functional in
multiple ways at different time of day.
 The mezzanine area is used as home
office, for the tenant working as a
freelancer, and also used as a sleeping
space at night.
 The Kitchen has been provided with
Storage cum partition, where it is also
used as dinning on regular basis.
Occasionally dinning is done in living
room.
 The ladder connecting to mezzanine is
movable and hence can be used
accordingly.
CONCLUSIONS
Living in a Modern city, means constant evolution. This evolution is in respect to space,
design, usability, approach, generation, etc. From above case studies it is quite evident
that flexibility in interiors is most needed approach in modern architecture. This flexibility
can be achieved easily if designed properly, and also gain provides better facilities to
the users. Of course, its application is not needed or can be avoided in luxuries
apartments, but in spaces with high population need to have multi-purpose spaces.
It is true fact that no space can be 100% flexible, but it is to be designed in a manner to
gain maximum flexibility. This flexibility not only helps in using maximum area but also
provides the user the sense of belonging and easing out their day to day task. Apart
from the architect’s design consideration, even user participation is very important.

Recommendation
This study shows importance and multiple ways, flexibility of space can be achieved
using furniture and interior layout
 The ideal sizes may vary from person to person, and it should be reflected in
planning.
 Use of modern interior techniques, such foldable tables, chairs, murphy beds,
etc.
 Modular Companies are coming up with multiple solutions for space saving and
flexible furniture which can easily incorporated in design.
 Using light weighted, modular partition blocks for creating permanent partitions.
 Creating both side storage cabinets on partition walls, and hence increases the
storage area.
 Using movable partition for creating privacy, i.e. curtains, for wheeled partition.

BIBLOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES

[1] A REVIEW ON FLEXIBILITY IN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN, Hanieh FarokhiFirouzi,
https://tuengr.com/V10/779.pdf
[2] Designing Flexibility and Adaptability: The Answer to Integrated Residential Building Retrofit,
Giuliana Scuderi,
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330322834_Designing_Flexibility_and_Adaptability_T
he_Answer_to_Integrated_Residential_Building_Retrofit
[3] Flexible Housing: The Role of Spatial Organization in Achieving
Functional Efficiency, Seyed Reza Hosseini Raviz,
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/287220745_Flexible_Housing_The_Role_of_Spatial_
Organization_in_Achieving_Functional_Efficiency
[4] LIVING IN A FLEXIBLE SPACE, Simona Canepa,
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1757-899X/245/5/052006/pdf
[5] Organism of Options : A Design Strategy for Flexible Space, Young- Ju Kim,
https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/4406661.pdf
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to express my special thanks of gratitude to my teachers Ar. Romiero
Silveira, Ar. Tejaswini Pawar and Ar. Shilpa Dhawale who gave me the opportunity
to do this research on the topic Flexibility in Studio Apartments for Interior
Planning. They also helped me in doing all the required research and corrected my
mistakes on every step. I came to know about many new thing which I wouldn’t have
known if not for this study. So, I am very grateful to all of them for their guidance and
support.
 Plagiarism Scan Report
Report Generated on: Nov 01,2022

Total Words: 990

1% 99% Total Characters: 6184

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Content Checked for Plagiarism

Flexibility in Studio Apartments

A Review of residential studio apartments, using flexible design strategies for interior planning for carpet
area less than 35 sq. m. in Bhendi Bazaar, Mumbai
RESEARCH PAPER
Allana College of Architecture
Research in Architecture – II
Aliasgar Bharmal
Fo. Y. B. Arch 2021-22

Flexibility in Studio Apartments

A Review of residential studio apartments using flexible design strategies for interior planning for carpet
area less than 35 sq. m. in Bhendi Bazaar, Mumbai
Aliasgar Bharmal
Student of Architecture
aliasgarthegreat94@gmail.com

Abstract
Flexibility in Architecture is one of the most needed approaches in architectural and interior design,
especially in densely populated areas. Due to high population and expensive floor space, the users have
evolved to use a particular space, differently at various times of day. It is a designer’s responsibility to
gain this flexibility in space using multiple furniture items and design considerations.
Keywords
Flexibility in Architecture, Interior Design approaches, Furniture Design, Multi-purpose spaces, Studio
apartments

INTRODUCTION
The term flexible has been associated with architecture since a long period of time. The concept a space
being flexible and that it can be used for multiple purposes is very fascinating and interesting in terms of
Concept. Despite it being a very good as concept, the application of same is very challenging. In today’s
context flexible architecture is very much required. Changing lifestyles, modernisation and globalisation,
ease in transport and communication have paved to migration of people. Hence, contrasting to older
ideology, people now tend to migrate to other cities for better opportunities and needs a living space
there. This migration is temporary and hence, a permanent solution of buying the property and
customizing it, is not a practical approach. Flexibility in architecture is not only confined by open plans,
and using incomplete design stragies but needs to be properly planned and designed to cater to
changing requirements and needs of the user. The space is to be designed in manner that it has a
primary use and also a few a secondary use. A few historical examples of India, can be seen, having a
semi private, informal space, which acts as an extended space for the primary spaces.
STUDIO APARTMENTS
Apartments are categorised on multiple factors, one of them being the carpet area. Generally Studio
Apartment is defined as a small apartment in which the normal functions, of multiple rooms i.e. living

Page 1 of 3
room, bedroom and kitchen, are combined into a single room. The main aim of this typology is to carter
to a Bachler or single person. These apartment have an average carpet area varying from 20-30 sq. m. or
even less than that. In highly populated areas, this objective is lost and at times, 3-4 membered families
also stay in these apartments.

BHENDI BAZAAR, MUMBAI

Bhendi bazaar is a market place situated in south Mumbai. It is densely populated area with around
1,19,988 Persons per Sq. Km. According to the book ‘Buildings of Bombay’, Bhendi Bazaar was
developed as a chawl, or like a dormitory fashion. The houses were design to accommodate single men,
who had migrated to city for earning a livelihood. It is a mixed used space, with long narrow Structures,
sharing a common wall with shops present on ground floor and studio apartments on the above floors.
Majorly the overall heights of the structures are in the range of G+3 to G+6.

FLEXIBILTY OF SPACES
Studio apartments being very compacted, it becomes essential to use the same space different at various
times of day. There are some temporary yet repetitive events that should be accommodated within the
structure. A flexible architecture is considered as a potential strategy for the future plan.
This is majorly practised in an organic manner in majority of studio apartments, around India. Use of
furniture like cupboards as partition, murphy beds, Sofa-cum-bed, etc help in gaining these flexibility in
spaces. At times in apartments there is no dedicated kitchen space, but the living area and connecting
passage transfer into food preparation space or dinning space.

RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS

Methodology
To understand the importance of flexibility in a space, and to achieve it, 3 live case studies were done.
These case studies were chosen depending on many factors such as carpet area, planning, services, etc.
A schematic plan and interior layout was created, and the tenants were interviewed. The perspective
and challenges faced by the tenants were recorded. The observations from these case studies were
recorded and analysed, and recommendations were provided. Newer trends were studied and applied
while providing conclusions

Case Study – 1
An Studio apartment in Chawl system of Bhendi Bazaar.
Owner – Mr. Mustafa Nalwala.

Introduction
This house is situated in chawl system of bhendi bazaar. It basically consists of central staircases and
peripheral service line, along with long passage/corridors running along the length of the structure,
giving access to all the rooms. These kind buildings are usually very old and made using wooden
structural systems. One the important fact of this typology is that rectilinear plans are derived, i.e. 10’ x
40’ or 10’ x 30’, making it compulsory to make the space multi-functional.
Observations
• House is designed in such a manner that main access is from the corridor and wet areas share a
common wall.
• Due to rectilinear plan, the rear end is used as living room due to maximum natural and ventilation.
• The kitchen is more like a passage between entrance and living room, with a cooking station and
storage.
• The partitioning is done to create storage cabinets and wardrobes wasting less space in partitioning.
• Living room itself is converted into sleeping space by alternating a few furniture items.
• The corridor space at the front is used as semi-formal buffer, for storing extra items, shoes and other
items.
• The door leading to bathroom has a buffer space of 2’6”, used as changing room and also a storage for
bathroom items.
• General dinning is done in kitchen and hall.

House between the Ocean and Volcano | Manta North - Archello

100%
Page 2 of 3
 Plagiarism Scan Report
Report Generated on: Nov 01,2022

Total Words: 869

0% 100% Total Characters: 5680

Plagiarized Sentences: 0

Plagiarised Unique Unique Sentences: 48 (100%)

Content Checked for Plagiarism

Case Study – 2
An Studio apartment in Apartment system of Bhendi Bazaar.
Owner – Shk. Mohammad Taj.
Introduction
This house is situated in old apartment system of Mumbai. It doesn’t comply to BMCC rules of vertical
circulation, fire escapes, lift and elevators etc. The basic planning is somewhat similar to newer
apartments i.e. having long single stairs, small corridor/passage spaces, multiple rooms with natural and
ventilation, service ducts for water supply and drainage.
Observations
• The typical floor plan is such that it has smaller passages and direct access to houses.
• The interior layout is very flexible and is majorly free of any obstruction.
• A dedicated wet space is allotted, which won’t flexible.
• The furniture items such as bed, table, cabinets, wardrobes, etc are movable and very flexible.
• The sofa converts into a bed at night, and hence the living space is used as sleeping area.
• Windows having cantilevers are converted storage units and balconies emerging out through the
structure.
• The kitchen and living area are separated using a curtain, making a private space in the kitchen while
using it.
• The living area which during eating time is used as dinning space is also provided with a foldable
dinning, requiring much less area than our ordinary table.
• The living area is fitted with carpet and hence can be used as Indian seating.

Case Study – 3
An Studio apartment in Hybrid system of Bhendi Bazaar.
Rented by – Ahmed Sethwala
Introduction
This house is in hybrid structure where the ground floor consists of shops and other 3 floors consist of
studio apartments. The main focus to study this case was to know more about interpretation of
commercial and residential typology and it functioning in a compact space. The flexible use of 18’ height
as multiple floor plates is seen.
Observations
• The floor plan is more and less same on all floors with services ducts at the edge and rear end.
• The section of building differs, due to commercial space at the ground level, the overall height of
structure differs and there two levels on the longer edge and hence difference in floor levels of different
apartments.
• Within a studio apartment there is mezzanine created, which is functional in multiple ways at different
time of day.
• The mezzanine area is used as home office, for the tenant working as a freelancer, and also used as a
sleeping space at night.
• The Kitchen has been provided with Storage cum partition, where it is also used as dinning on regular
basis. Occasionally dinning is done in living room.
• The ladder connecting to mezzanine is movable and hence can be used accordingly.

Page 1 of 3
CONCLUSIONS
Living in a Modern city, means constant evolution. This evolution is in respect to space, design, usability,
approach, generation, etc. From above case studies it is quite evident that flexibility in interiors is most
needed approach in modern architecture. This flexibility can be achieved easily if designed properly, and
also gain provides better facilities to the users. Of course, its application is not needed or can be avoided
in luxuries apartments, but in spaces with high population need to have multi-purpose spaces.
It is true fact that no space can be 100% flexible, but it is to be designed in a manner to gain maximum
flexibility. This flexibility not only helps in using maximum area but also provides the user the sense of
belonging and easing out their day to day task. Apart from the architect’s design consideration, even
user participation is very important.
Recommendation
This study shows importance and multiple ways, flexibility of space can be achieved using furniture and
interior layout
• The ideal sizes may vary from person to person, and it should be reflected in planning.
• Use of modern interior techniques, such foldable tables, chairs, murphy beds, etc.
• Modular Companies are coming up with multiple solutions for space saving and flexible furniture
which can easily incorporated in design.
• Using light weighted, modular partition blocks for creating permanent partitions.
• Creating both sided storage cabinets on partition walls, and hence increase the storage area.
• Using movable partition for creating privacy, i.e. curtains, for wheeled partition.

BIBLOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES

[1] A REVIEW ON FLEXIBILITY IN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN, Hanieh FarokhiFirouzi,
https://tuengr.com/V10/779.pdf
[2] Designing Flexibility and Adaptability: The Answer to Integrated Residential Building Retrofit,
Giuliana Scuderi,
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330322834_Designing_Flexibility_and_Adaptability_The_Ans
wer_to_Integrated_Residential_Building_Retrofit
[3] Flexible Housing: The Role of Spatial Organization in Achieving
Functional Efficiency, Seyed Reza Hosseini Raviz,
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/287220745_Flexible_Housing_The_Role_of_Spatial_Organiza
tion_in_Achieving_Functional_Efficiency
[4] LIVING IN A FLEXIBLE SPACE, Simona Canepa, https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1757-
899X/245/5/052006/pdf
[5] Organism of Options : A Design Strategy for Flexible Space, Young- Ju Kim,
https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/4406661.pdf
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to express my special thanks of gratitude to my teachers Ar. Romiero Silveira, Ar. Tejaswini
Pawar and Ar. Shilpa Dhawale who gave me the opportunity to do this research on the topic Flexibility in
Studio Apartments – The Indian Jugad. They also helped me in doing all the required research and
corrected my mistakes on every step. I came to know about many new thing which I wouldn’t have
known if not for this study. So, I am very grateful to all of them for their guidance and support.

No Plagiarism Found

Page 2 of 3