Architectural Furniture -furniture combining architectural functions

Toshihiko Suzuki

We specify the following 3 points as common natures among furniture previously shown in the interior history.
1) Space separating function like partitions (architectural function)
2) Function provision (furniture-like function)
3) Easy movability and changeability (characteristic of furniture)
Based upon the above 3 natures, we reinterpret interior elements and specify their relation with architectural furniture.

A diagram as shown in Fig.3 New interpretation of interior elements, and architectural furniture specifies a position of architectural furniture in interior environment. First, we categorize them into 6 elements:
(1) buildings (outer walls, floors and so on)
(2) room arrangement (partitions and so on)
(3) equipment (sinks, lavatories and so on)
(4) big furniture (shelves, beds and so on)
(5) small furniture (desks, chairs and so on)
(6) articles (other furniture, miscellaneous goods and so on).

If they are grouped by the conventional interpretation, architecture means building, room arrangement and equipment, and furniture means big furniture and small furniture. From the perspective of the skeleton-infill, building is to be the skeleton, and room arrangement and equipment are to be the infill. The other elements are regarded as interior.

On the other hand, if the interior elements are reinterpreted from the perspectives of 3 natures of architectural furniture: space separating function, function provision, and changeability, room arrangement divides space and equipment, big and small furniture do not divide space in terms of space separating function; building and room arrangement do not provide functions with space and the other elements provide functions therewith in terms of function provision; and building is to be permanent, room arrangement and equipment are to be hard to move and change, and the other elements are easy to move and change in terms of changeability.

Based upon this new interpretation, integration of marked zones on the diagram is architectural furniture. It divides space, provides the divided space with functions, and can be moved and changed easily. Therefore, the marked zones should be a position of architectural furniture in the interior environment.

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