Towards a Smaller Housing Paradigm

By Thomas Geffner

In doing further research on the topic of smaller living, I came across an article, ‘towards a smaller housing paradigm’. Discussing how smaller apartments are more affordable for developers by reducing per-unit construction costs and therefore charging less for occupants, Geffner makes a point of how these smaller spaces can also lower average operating costs, like heating and electricity, for dwellers.

Geffner also points out further positives for higher density cities, whereby denser cities require less cars, or car trips are likely to be shorter, supporting the idea of a walkable city, somewhere like New York. Higher density cities, he says, also increase productivity due to close proximity to other workers.

These higher density dwellings ease pressure on larger family unit by creating an alternative for single dwellers.

Week 1 as an introduction helped me to understand how design is influenced by social and political issue, I had never considered this influence before.

With the challenge of turning a 2 bedroom space into a 4 bedroom apartment, I’ll have to consider to best utilise space and ensure the space is functional and affordable.