10th lecture

Residential Units/ Apartment StandardsUrban Housing Space

Main Reference: Chiara, J., Panero, J., and Zelnik, M., (1995), Time Saver
Standards for Housing and Residential Development, New York: McGraw-Hillchapter 7 (types of apartments)- p.553.

Development of Residential Unit

Three main
Zones
Pharaonic
House

Development of Residential Unit

Three main
Zones
Nubian House

Development of Residential Unit

Distribution Area
Mamluk House

Traditional & Local Architecture

Court

Maqad

Al-Qaa

Development of Residential Unit

Distribution Area
Country House

Development of Residential Unit

Circulation area
Villa Capra, Italy

Development of Residential Unit

Circulation axis
Villa Savoy,
Le Corbusier

Apartment buildings
Point Towers

Point Towers

H, L, T, X, Y, Z shaped

Maadi Towers

Marina City Towers, Chicago

Efficiency Apartment (Studio)

The essential design features is FLEXIBILITY of the main space to be used

alternatively for living, sleeping, and dining. Most often a convertible sofa bed is
used to achieve this. The critical problem is storage of clothes and dressing area,
which is often less then minimum.

Efficiency Apartment (Studio)

One-bedroom Apartment

The main object of a one-bedroom apartment is its COMPACTNESS. A full range of

activities is anticipated within a minimal area. The foyer is frequently used as a
dining space. The kitchen is often minimal.

One-bedroom Apartment

Two-bedroom Apartment

The two-bedroom apartment is considered the average size for a typical family with
one or two children. The arrangement of rooms should be such as to PERMIT A
REASONABLE SEPARATION of living activities (kitchen, dining, living) from
sleeping activities.

Two-bedroom Apartment

Three-bedroom Apartment
General
characteristics
Elements

Toilet facilities
Size
Number of
occupancy
Type of occupancy
Planning
considerations
Parking requirements

The three-bedroom apartment is generally considered for large families with three
or more children. A LARGER LIVING AND DINING AREA IS NECESSARY for the
larger family. Consideration should be given for the GREATER PRIVACY FOR
EACH MEMBER OF THE FAMILY.

Three-bedroom Apartment

Four-bedroom Apartment
General
characteristics
Elements

Toilet facilities
Size
Number of
occupancy
Type of occupancy
Planning
considerations
Parking requirements

The four-bedroom apartment is considered to be a large apartment and not very

common. More living space is required for a greater number of activities. This
arrangement of rooms should be such as to PROVIDE MAXIMUM PRIVACY FOR
EACH ONE GROUPING. A SEPARATE DINNING ROOM SHOULD BE
PROVIDED. Long corridors to the bedrooms should be avoided.

16 m

12 m

145 m2

Five-bedroom Apartment
General
characteristics
Elements

Toilet facilities
Size
Number of
occupancy
Type of occupancy
Planning
considerations
Parking requirements