Design flexibility strategies started in the nineties in Brazil: a mere marketing resource?

Abstract

In the beginning of the nineties, Brazilian real estate supply started to adopt housing flexible plans. Since then, clients have been able to participate in the design of their units and in the selection of finishings. Customized products have become a trend also in construction sector. This article discusses various aspects of the flexibility, focusing on the product, and has three main objectives: (a) to present flexibility concepts from the manufacturing industry and discuss its application in the construction sector; (b) to review historical aspects related to origin and continuation of flexible housing design strategies; and (c) to present an overview of flexibility concepts and strategies that have been eventually adopted. The article suggests that flexibility is not a simple marketing resource since it makes possible to respond to uncertainties related to the diverse socio-demographic demand, improving the quality of housing spaces, both in the first occupation and along the use phase. It is also pointed out the relevance of this theme, due to its impact in the development of housing design, considering implications on construction technology, construction systems and processes, and construction management.