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. The concept a space being
flexible and that it can be used for multiple use 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.
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 Figure 1 - Flexibility in Interior using Furniture
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
Figure 2 ATypical Example of
these apartments. Studio Apartment

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 Figure 3 Ariel View of Bhendi Bazaar
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.

Figure 4 Ways for Gaining Flexibility

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.

Figure 5 Floor Plan

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.

Recommendations
This study shows importance and multiple ways, flexibility of space can be achieved
using furniture and interior layout
 The ideal size of a space may vary from person to person, and it should be
reflected in planning.
 Modern modular furniture should used more effectively and regularly, hence
promoting and explaining the concept of Flexible Planning in Interior Design.
 It is quite necessary and need of time for Modular Companies to come up with
multiple solutions, of space saving and flexible furniture.
 Multiple space saving techniques such as partition with storage cabinets,
Movable Furniture i.e. Murphy Bed, Folding Dinning Tables and Chair, etc,
should be implicated in Design.

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