Browsing by Author "Daniel Asrat"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    The Influence of Spatial Configuration on the Flexibility and Adaptability of Apartment Units in Private Real Estate Developments in Addis Ababa
    (Addis Ababa University, 2026-03-01) Daniel Asrat; Abnet Gezahegn
    Addis Ababa is experiencing rapid urbanization and population growth, which has intensified housing demand. This has led to an increase in private real estate developments, which often prioritize market competitiveness, land optimization, and cost-efficiency through standardized apartment units. This fails to meet the evolving users’ needs, cultural practice long-term functionality. Most residents are dissatisfied with their rigid and standardized units and frequently make costly modifications and in some cases relocation. This study examines the influence of spatial configuration on the flexibility and adaptability of private real estate apartment units in Addis Ababa affects. The study uses convergent mixed methods combining FLEX 4.0 spatial assessment tool, on-site observation, survey of 386 residents and responses from 37stakeholders to analyze the extent of flexibility and adaptability of the units and understand users’ perception and experience. The finding reveals that most apartment units in Addis Ababa are hardly flexible. There is strong demand for flexibility by residents, however rigid layouts, fixed wall partitions, smaller room size, poor lighting and ventilation limit them to modify and adapt their space effectively. Both residents and stakeholders strongly value the importance of flexibility and adaptability. But they indicate that lack of awareness, skilled expertise and supportive regulation limit the implementation. The research demonstrated that open-plan layout, modular designs, lightweight or reconfigurable partitions and user engagement in the planning and design from the early stage significantly improve the flexibility and usability of housing. The study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on flexibility and adaptability and highlights the need for policy review, build capacity and create awareness on flexible design to enhance livability, environmental performance, long-term usability and support evolving lifestyle. This study is limited to the current private real estate developments in Addis Ababa and focuses on spatial configuration. Future research should include longitudinal post-occupancy evaluation on adaptability performance including public and government housing.