There is a Japanese organisational system called the '5S Principles' that is used to improve efficiency and organisation of workplaces and industry. The system consists of the following 5 steps:
seiri (整理) - Sort
seiton (整頓) - Set in order
seisō (清掃) - Shine
seiketsu (清潔) - Standardise
shitsuke (躾) - Sustain
The aim of these principles is to promote lean management; reducing waste while increasing efficiency, productivity, safety and employee satisfaction. We are going to see how these principles can be applied to the design of Micro Homes, using the Finsbury Park Studio project by Millimetre Studio as an example.
1. Seiri (整理) - Sort
This step requires sorting through everything and identifying which items are needed and which items are not. In industry this applies to surplus tools, office equipment, processes etc, however if we apply this to dwelling, this mean decluttering belongings and identifying key lifestyle choices. Through this process the amount of usable space immediately increases and you learn which elements of your lifestyle are truly important to you.
In the Finsbury Park Studio Project; the clients wanted lots of storage to accommodate belongings for 2 people as well as their sports equipment (skis, climbing gear, cycling equipment). They wanted a space that could cater for up to 6 guests and have a reasonable sized kitchen and living space. There was also a need for space to work while someone was resting or sleeping if necessary.
2. Seiton (整頓) - Set in order
This step is where all items are put in their place. Once the important 'keep' items and lifestyle choices have been identified, it is now crucial that these are positioned in a logical, optimal manner. The space should be arranged to maximise the lifestyle choices (processes) identified in the first step, offering easy access to most commonly used items and adequate storage for less frequently used items. Positions of items and utility should feel instinctive to allow activity to become smooth and effortless.
In the Finsbury Park Studio Project; the layout of the flat has been divided in to clear zones, (Kitchen, Dining, Bathroom, Storage, Living/Sleeping, and Work). When needed the bed can be raised or lowered to cater for entertaining, opening the space up to comfortably welcome 6 guests. The adequate kitchen takes up minimal floor space and is arranged instinctively for cooking and entertaining. Additionally, multiple worktop surfaces and seating options allow for two people to live and work comfortably together at the same time.
3. Seisō (清掃) - Shine
Shine is the process of cleaning and inspecting the space on a regular basis to make sure that the environment is as affective in the long term as it was at the beginning. By designing the space to easily store, tidy and clean, it makes the process of doing so much less onerous and likely to happen more often. Assigning locations to specific items and introducing wipe down surfaces or easily movable furniture significantly speeds up the cleaning process.
In the Finsbury Park Studio Project; All fixed furniture was pushed to the outer walls and all horizontal surfaces easily accessible for cleaning. Surfaces prone to dirt (kitchen and bathroom) were finished with tiles and floor finishes chosen to be easily swept and mopped.
4. Seiketsu (清潔) - Standardise
The processed of standardising is designed to promote repetition of the first 3 principles, ensuring that ongoing maintenance and sorting of belonging continues into the future. When living in a micro home, acquiring new belongings and changes to hobbies or lifestyle could result in the original space no longer being suitable for your needs.
In the Finsbury Park Studio Project; it is the responsibility of the occupant to carry out their Standadise step and review their position and situation on a regular basis. So far they have been delighted with how the space has suited their needs.
5. Shitsuke (躾) - Sustain
Similar to step 4, this principle addresses the long term sustainability of the project and in this context, lifestyle. Living in a micro home can be challenging. Over time, as circumstances change, there is an increasing chance that frustrations arise over limited space and privacy. This is why it is important to revisit the principles on a regular basis so that you can anticipate future problems and address any issues ahead of time.
I hope you have enjoyed this read, it was inspire by a project from Australian architect Nicholas Gurney in his '5S Apartment'. Take a look as his project or look though any of our other posts for more interesting articles.
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