Google Flexi Apartment

Flexi is a Google/Android sponsored project that explores the future of small space living through flexible architecture. It is a small space living apartment system that allows user to customize their room sizes and facility rentals based on their monthly financial and personal needs. The project won the 2016 Spark Silver Awards of the “Cause” category. As world populations increase and more people move into cities, there is the prospect of overpopulation and the scarcity of available space. This causes real estate prices to go higher, making it harder to people to afford their rent. With Flexi, users can now adjust their living space monthly and save money faster in order to achieve their urban dreams. Team F.A.S.T. Members: Felix Choi, Alan Lee, Sar Issagholian, Tina Kong

Problem

Inspired by the Cage Men situation in Hong Kong and their living and physiological struggles, I wanted to address the global challenge of space and living of the cities in the future. People who work and live in the popular cities like New York, Tokyo, and Amsterdam are also facing space and living challenges. What if rent, space, and facilities can be made flexible? What if there is an apartment that helps you save and even make money so that you can focus on your urban dream?

About 200,000 people are living in Hong Kong in what the government calls “inadequate housing.” The rent (Avg.$ 10,475 / sq. ft.) forces the low-income families, single, elderly and unemployed people living in urban slums. Some of them have been living in the slum generation after generation. Since the rent in Hong Kong hasn't been reduced , they cannot afford to improve their living quality.

Oversaturated cities around the world makes people keep pushing the possibilities of utilizing small space and improve the quality of life.

User Journey Map

Design Criteria

User Scenario + UI Prototype Demo

Features

Flexi allows rent to be flexible. Users can decide how big the room they want to live in, what facilities they will use, and how much money they are willing to pay for the next month all through the mobile app. By adjusting the room sizes, facilities, and negotiating space with neighbors, users can now save money while living in the Flexi Apartment.

System Diagram

Large Room

Medium Room Storage & Small Room

Facility Rentals: Bathroom, Kitchen, and Closet

Negotiate Space with Neighbors

When there is no available space to expend the room, each resident can negotiate space with neighbors on the same floor, they have the freedom to exchange space with money. People now can make extra money by exchanging some of their space for their neighbor.