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From the editorial DETAIL 9.2023

Mix of uses instead of monofunction

How do buildings have to be designed so that their spaces can be used flexibly and in a variety of ways? As offices, then again for apartments, kindergartens and later perhaps as a laboratory? Reinier de Graaf describes the architecture of OMA as a kind of infrastructure that adapts to the spatial program and offers the greatest possible freedom of use. In the interview in this issue, the OMA partner explains why the structure of such buildings becomes more uniform the more variable their use is considered in the design process.

For our September issue on mixed-use concepts, we have selected exciting projects that include living spaces and offices, sports halls and restaurants, parking garages, student dormitories and much more in their complex spatial program. The most interesting question for this building typology remains the organization of the various uses: How are they developed? How interconnected and separated from one another? Are they stacked vertically or arranged horizontally? Which overlaps make sense?

Our current project examples in Brussels, New York and Vienna show different approaches to solutions that, in contrast to pure monofunction, allow for an astonishing variety. We document in detail, including detailed drawings, the fact that mixed uses can also contribute to the targeted revitalization of existing buildings in the two processes for Morland Mixité Capitale in Paris by David Chipperfield Architects Berlin and for Veemgebouw in Eindhoven by Caruso St John Architects.