MULTIFUNCTIONAL/VERSATILE SPACES

Introduction and Definition

The word ‘multifunctional’ is an adjective and its lexical meaning is: having or fulfilling
several functions. A multifunctional space performs at least two functions and is designed to
have several different uses. It is the opposite of single-purpose space which is designated for
a specific function.
Adaptability
Adaptability is the potential of a system to harmonize with the environment.
The adaptability of a space is the potential to change or adjust the elements constructing the
space to respond the changing environment. Unitary space could not accommodate new
functions by maintaining its own characters, and it could not provide the possibility to change
or adjust some part of it. A unitary space loses its value when function changes. Versatile
space, which is more adaptable than unitary space, could accommodate new functions with or
without changing.
Flexibility
Able to be easily modified to respond to altered circumstances.
“Flexibility” in architecture, refers to the ability of a building to continuously adapt its space
layout and even its structure to evolving needs.
Humanize/Humanization
To make something less unpleasant and more suitable for people.
As versatile space could be occupied in various ways, the creation of human is largely
encouraged and people could make the space the way he likes. Versatile space makes it
possible for different functions occurring in the same space to encourage un-designed
communication, therefore make the space more vivid and interesting, more humanized, and
more organic.
Space and Function
A continuous area or expanse which is free, available, or unoccupied.
An activity that is natural to or the purpose of a person or thing.
A space is the opposite of an entity. Outside of an entity, there is the space, which is invisible
and untouchable. The value of a building lies in the emptiness enclosed by the walls, not the
walls themselves. The emptiness inside the building is SPACE. Various materials are used to
enclose a space to accommodate some activities. FUNCTION is the activity accommodated
by a space.
 Figure 1 The same space having two different functions at different times of the day.

Figure 2 Carrying out different functions in the same space through some minor interior changes.

Figure 3 The space should be able to withstand and accommodate all the possible changes.
The development of architecture is always affected by economic factors. As the fast change
of the market, it becomes very difficult to predict the requirement of the potential user for a
space. Buildings that designed as commodities have to respond to the change simultaneously.
That's where versatile space is needed.
To tear down a building whose structure does not expire, or inadequate usage of a space is a
waste of resources. One important character of a sustainable city and building is to be energy
and resource saving. Versatile space could help to develop a sustainable city and building.
As versatile space could be occupied in various ways, the creation of human is largely
encouraged and people could make the space the way he likes. Versatile space makes it
possible for different functions occurring in the same space to encourage undesigned
communication, therefore make the space more vivid and interesting, more humanized, and
more organic.
With the rapid change of social and economic circumstances in high-density urban areas, the
requirements of urban and building space are changed quickly. In their life spans, the urban
and building structures must accommodate change and adjustment, and be prepared for
conversion into different functions without rebuilding the structure because of the limited
space resources and high cost. Thus versatile space has its role to make a solution.
As the building should be suitable, both now and in the future it requires some smartness and
flexibility in order to adapt to the future changes related to users and staff, i.e. the building
should be commissioned to enable future flexibility. Multifunctional spaces are required to
have a continual adaptation to changing functional requirements and changing technological
capabilities.
Space should not be dominated by determinism. The functions a space needs to contain in the
life span may change many times. Thus one should design the space to maximize the
possibilities of change, so that the space could be more adaptable to maintain valuable all
through the life span.
Current problems related to existing multi-functional structures and spaces-
 There is a wide variety of functions that a multi-functional space needs to accommodate.
Each activity has its own specific requirements for balancing acoustics, lighting, air
conditioning, support and storage space, and moveable or adjustable amenities such as
seating, food presentation equipment, and self-serve refreshment areas.
 In addition, areas adjacent to these spaces deserve consideration as well.
 A strategic location must be considered.
 Strategic zoning must be considered.
 The biggest concerns anybody has about a mixed-use building in this economy are getting
and keeping the space leased. May end up with a surplus of spaces that aren’t renting very
quickly.
 Financing, cost and maintenance are issues.
 Parking is another common issue that arises for mixed-use facilities.
 Access control and movement of people to and from and through the premises.
Sample space
Any mega city in India is currently facing major issues of space crunch. Limited availability
of land, migration of people, etc leads to this major problem. Multi-functional spaces in such
cities could be the solution.
Method of Study
1. Experiencing multi-functional spaces on different levels.
Living Room (personal level)

LIVING ROOM

Work Read Eat Sleep Watch TV

Various functions can be carried out in a living room, such as, eating, sleeping, reading,
working, watching tv, etc., at various times of the day or at the same time as well.

Building basement (society level)

BUILDING BASEMENT
Various festival celebrations taking place during the specific times of the year. When not in
use, it is sometimes used as a storage. Other events such as meetings or certain birthdays are
also carried out in the basement.

Open ground (Area Level)

OPEN GROUND

School Programmes Fests Walking Jogging Kids Playing Concerts

Although owned by the school in the area, this open ground is not just used by the students of
the school but also by the general public residing nearby as well. The ground is used by the
people for morning and evening walks, used by the school to conduct various school
programmes, children are always seen playing in the park and also various fests are carried
out on the ground by the nearby church as well. Hence, this space can be easily be called as a
multi-functional space having various users using it at the same time.
Kohinoor Square (City Level) – Case study done below.
2. Other methods include secondary and primary methods of research.

Case Studies
1) Kohinoor Square, Shivaji Park, Mumbai
Kohinoor square is a 52-story 203-metre (666 ft) semi-twin, mixed-use skyscraper located on
the land previously owned by Kohinoor Mills in Shivaji Park, Mumbai, India. It is situated at
the junction of LJ Road and Gokhale Road. The Kohinoor Square complex comprises a main
skyscraper and a residential skyscraper which are for mixed use-houses, hotels, residences
and a high-end shopping malls.

Main Building-
The first five floors of the main building
is used for high-end shopping mall and
the remaining 47 floors is utilized for
commercial offices and a five star hotel.
Residential Building-
It has a 13 storey parking below the main
residential structure. The building
consists of a total of 132 residential units.
2) New York High Line

The High Line at the Rail Yards, which opened to the public on September 21, is the third
and northernmost section of the High Line Park in New York City. Referred to as the High
Line, it is a unique ribbon of parkland and civic amenities winding through the city, built on a
refurbished, elevated rail line dating from the 1930s that had long been scheduled for
demolition. Built on this historic, elevated freight line, the High Line has become a world-
renowned inspiration for how cities can transform industrial infrastructure into hybrid public
spaces.
The High Line is more than a park. It’s a public space where you can view art, walk through
gardens, experience a performance, savour delicious food, or just connect with friends and
neighbours—all while enjoying a unique perspective of the city. It enables visitors to walk all
the way from Gansevoort Street to 34th Street, and with the opening of the Rail Yards, people
will all be able to walk the entire length of the High Line – traversing 22 city blocks,
uninterrupted, 30 feet in the air, with expansive views of New York City and the Hudson
River.
This can be considered as an example of a multi-use public space. In addition to its unique
views of the river and skyline, the High Line features lush gardens and horticulture including
hundreds of varieties of flowers, shrubs, and trees; and an abundance of amenities including
artworks, sunbathing decks made of reclaimed teak, seasonal food vendors, and an
amphitheatre for community programming. These functions and amenities take place
throughout the stretch of the High Line, changing the scenery throughout its course. It is a
great example of a public space encouraging communication, group activities, etc., in a new
unique way along with giving city a landmark to remember.
3) Equal Streets, Bandra, Mumbai
The Equal Streets movement draws around 25,000 Mumbaikars on an average, transforming
the city’s streets into open-air sports arenas for badminton, cricket, cycling, skating, a yoga
studio, an arts and crafts hub, and a performance stage for amateur musicians. It is a 3km
stretch along Bandra’s Linking Road from HP Junction to Santa Cruz police station from 7am
to 11am.
Equal Streets is a sustained community movement towards the provision of better and safer
walking and cycling infrastructure in our city. The movement is constituted by a growing
number of citizens groups, cycling clubs, NGOs and residential welfare associations that have
all come together for this common cause. As an immediate objective, they organise a weekly
program every Sunday morning, where a section of select roads are made “car-free”; they are
closed off to motorised transport and open only to forms of non-motorised transport such as
walking and cycling.
The Equal Streets movement seeks to correct the fundamental imbalance in our city’s
transport planning priorities. As things are, the bulk of public expenditure on city transport
favours owners of cars. Our objective is to put the human being at the centre of transport
priority, rather than the motor-vehicle. Equal Streets Day allows communities to reclaim their
streets, at least on a Sunday morning to start with, and thus create the platform to invoke
permanent change.
This can be considered as an example of a multi-functional space-a transforming street for the
general public to enjoy few hours of a safe open public space by blocking the movement of
the vehicles for a few hours in the mornings on a weekend and then continuing with the
original ‘purpose’ of the street later.
Tentative Architectural Interventions

Commercial Residential

Leisure

Commercial Residential

Commercial Leisure

Residential Leisure

A place having very less area for accommodating two different activities at two different
times of the day. A multifunctional structure/space can help in solving the problem of both
the area and accommodating the two different functions at various times of the day without
making any changes to the structure.
A space which accommodates various functions at the same time at different areas of the
space without making any changes to the structure.
Reinterpreting certain spaces along with the multifunctionality aspect which may help
creating a more humanized and a soothing environment for all.