gifu search space

Given 18 different unit types of varied proportion and size, the Kitagata housing block constitutes a complex packing problem. This was tackled by reducing the unit of aggregation, not to the unit, but to the room in the unit. which was then built up into more complex configurations. “Given that this building is made up of rental apartments, it could be assumed that various types of families would live in those units. In other words, we imagined that forms of cohabitation would not be restricted to the existing standard family, but that different types of groupings of people should be considered. As a result, we regarded the individual room as the planning unit, rather than regarding the residential unit as one element. By adding these units with different variations, different unit types with various sections emerge, as well as the possibility for different lifestyles.” There are four unit types: From top to bottom, Bar type (3),inverted T-type (3), Z-type (4), simple L-type (8). Adding the type variations together, there are a total of 18 unit types. These types are combined in the schematic section of the southeast wing of the building. 

GIFU KITAGATA HOUSING, KAZUYO SEJIMA AND ASSOCIATES, GIFU, JAPAN, 1994-2004. This pattern is the search space projected from the unit types which appear in darkest tones.