Change in Adaptability of Residential Architecture: Spatial Analysis on Traditional and Contemporary Houses of Bangladesh

Abstract

This study focused on spatial analysis to identify the changes in adaptability over the last five decades. The features influencing adaptability were selected from the reference study. An appropriate method was used to analyse these features through spatial analysis. Six distinctive typologies of rural houses were selected from six regions. Unlike the traditional houses, the contemporary houses in the same area reflected a different character. Urban houses built since the early and mid-20th century were compared with contemporary houses. After analysing the openness, generality, flexibility, depth, typicality, construction technique, involvement of end-users, and the feedback from the inhabitants, the study identified a significant decrease in contemporary houses' adaptability. Spatial analysis was used to quantify the different features and compare between traditional and contemporary houses. Though the adaptability had been reduced over time, the latest houses started to achieve better flexibility in some features due to government policy and implementation of statutory building regulations. Further recommendations were provided to enhance the residential architecture's adaptability in future. The study samples were selected from different regions of Bangladesh. Still, the result and policy recommendations can be helpful for other countries, especially with high population density and a developing economy.