Shelter International Architectural Design Competition for Students 2016
Theme : Diverse Architecture
Assigned by : Sou Foujimoto

Diversity is found among every living individual, whether how physically close you seem to be. People learn diversity by meeting, talking, listening, sharing thoughts, or even debating with others. Thus, the architecture of diversity is simply a platform that casually draws people together, creating a flow of endless interaction. Row Houses are found in every modern city. Typically, the first floor serves as a semi-public commercial space, and the upper floors are residential. However, thinking of a cluster of row houses as a whole, the use of space isn't so efficient as facilities and spaces are unnecessarily separated. Shops on the first floor intend for people to visit inside but, contradicting, the walls enclose the spaces, making them like dead ends.

'Flow Houses' is an alternative to row houses that would transcend more 'diversity'. Thinking of them as a neighborhood; common areas, terraces, and facilities can be merged to make a bigger sharable area of each. Residents meeting in these spaces build up familiarity and encourage conversations. Shops areas become borderless, allowing access and visibility from one end to the other. Flow House blurs the boundaries of both the building and the people by 'sharing’ spaces; it synchronizes with the whole urban context where people are to flow freely.