From maids’ rooms to gourmet balconies: apartment layouts in Florianópolis (1954-2008)

Abstract

This study is based on a sample of 55 apartment plans from the archives of the Municipality of Florianópolis (SC). Two- and three-bedroom apartments in buildings with four or more stories built in the central area of Florianópolis, and approved in the period between 1954 and 2008, were analysed. The goal was to identify the morphological changes that occurred over those four decades, and the changes in the spatial patterns of plans, considering their sectors (social, intimate and services) and hierarchies. The results showed certain variations and trends over the decades, such as a wide variation in the sectors’ areas percentages, mainly from the early 2000s. The calculations also showed that integration measures (HH) were relatively stable until the early 2000s, when they increased significantly, most probably due to a greater presence of open-plan kitchens, which grew in importance and centrality. The average Isovist size and Isovist size from the main entrance door showed similar trends. These changes have shown an adherence between the spatial structure of these types of residential units and socioeconomic changes in different social groups over the decades, as well as cultural aspects such as sociability relations, habits and dispositions.

Keywords:
Apartment plans; Housing unit; Visibility; Space syntax