Micro-living is an architectural movement influenced by ultra-efficiency. Micro-living is reduced to a small room in which all functions of a house are concentrated. It is a lifestyle that requires the elimination of excess leading us towards quality over quantity.
We may find it more worthwhile to spend more time, money, and effort on certain parts of the home than others and we may be able to find ways to incorporate multiple activities in a single space. Now more and more people want to live in urban areas and remain flexible and in that regard, maximal reduction is very beneficial. As a trend, it is spread globally. However, it is most noticeable in countries like Germany, London, the USA, Switzerland especially, Japan, and recently with a springboard in Italy.
Micro-living As a Lifestyle Trend
The rise of micro-living is influenced by different factors. We could easily say it is future living. So what drives us towards future living, especially in architectural aspects? Futuristic sounds like technological development but that is not the primary factor. Micro-living or future living is influenced by social trends, trends that people create due to other external factors. Mainly individualization, even if it is seen as an egotistical thing.
On the contrary, individualization increases people’s confidence in themselves. Living alone and being alone is a phenomenon that is growing day by day along with embracement. Now being alone is not necessarily being lonely. People always look for or already have communities, whether they’re family or friendships or just people sharing your interests in general. Still, due to the overwhelming rapid lifestyle outside of your home, you need peace and quiet and maybe time to reflect on your own.
What Is Meant by Micro-living In a Practical Sense?
What does micro-living consist of? Besides being a minimalistic way of living, in it are a lot of layers that make it beneficial. It is not about the size, but how you use it. And trust me in a micro-living space everything is utilized and effective, starting from the furniture. Without sacrificing comfort, multifunctional furniture like Murphy beds, sofa beds, fold-down tables, nesting tables, wardrobe desks, bunk beds with tables, and modular furniture systems.
Storage solutions are a critical aspect of micro-living spaces and that means utilizing everything possible in that space starting from under-bed storage, built-in cabinets, wall-mounted shelves, and other pieces of furniture with hidden storage compartments. To best utilize your space, it takes creativity, efficient thinking, and experience. You can always do it yourself, but if you do it by professionals you only need to do it once and not worry about your space ever again. Hiring experts would be a smart choice, especially those experienced in micro-living.
The Swiss Approach to Micro-living
Locally speaking, it can be different and special depending on the architectural culture of the region. Each country has its own way of approaching smart living with the basic principles in mind. The Swiss, for example, prioritize quality of living and sustainability with other important key features. Swiss projects promote community engagement by creating shared facilities projects and that way integrating a sense of community among residents. Pretty ideas such as shared rooftop gardens or communal kitchens to encourage warmth and connectivity between people.
One of their main central points is sustainability with its main three pillars: the economy, society, and the environment. Regardless of the small space, they integrate elements to not feel suffocated. Elements such as large windows for more natural lighting and connectedness to the outside world. Architectural offices of Switzerland and mainly Zurich’s architectural office focus on high-quality materials, long-lasting, durable, and environmentally friendly and they never fail on amazing aesthetics.
Micro living Causes and Benefits
Micro-living has very much emerged as a practical solution to many external factors or even issues out of our control. Factors such as:
Urbanization
The increasing concentration of people in urban areas has played a major role in micro-living. A dense population leads to limited space and higher costs. Urbanization encourages people to prioritize convenience and more affordable living. As a result, it has become a practical solution for individuals seeking affordable housing in urban areas.
Embracing Minimalism
The movement of micro-living is based on a desire for a simpler way of living. This minimalist lifestyle is about prioritizing experiences over material aspects and reducing one’s living space to the essentials. Residents of micro-homes often find that living in smaller spaces encourages a more organized and efficient lifestyle, free from the responsibilities and complications that come with larger homes.
Environmental Issues
Environmental issues have made their impact by raising awareness for climate change and attracting people more towards sustainability. Smaller living spaces have a lower carbon footprint, as they require less energy for lightning, cooling and heating. Many micro-living spaces are designed with eco-friendly materials and technologies, such as solar panels and energy-efficient appliances, further reducing their environmental impact. By encouraging sustainable living practices, micro-living lines up with the awareness of environmental responsibility.
Technology
Technology is a positive contribution when it comes to micro-living by coming up with innovations like multifunctional furniture, space-saving appliances, and smart home systems as mentioned earlier. Technological advancements allow people to maximize the functionality of their microspaces.
Challenges and Solutions to Microliving
Microliving, progessive, sustainable and efficient also faces some challenges. Challenges that can be easily solved in the cutest way possible. The secret ingredient is the manipulation of perception. Integrating large mirrors that double the space and bounce light around create expansion and better lightning. On the other hand, choosing furniture that are scaled appropriately with the space and do not overpower your space.Furnitures such as acrylic and glass offer funcitonality without visually crowding the room. Separating specific areas for sleep, work or relaxation, you add structure and create a sense of expansiveness.
There is also room for expressing your artistic side. Wall art can introduce character and identity to your space. Rugs and cushions, in vibrant patterns or textures can be crucial in setting the mood and showing your personal taste. Thinking about your socializing spaces and where to invite your people, has a solution too. Here, functional furniture such as stackable chairs that can be stored away or tables with extendable features can accomodate guests without usurping the living space.
Floor cushions make your area perfect for conversations and at the same time offer coziness. Lightning, if set to the right ambience with candles or dimmable lights create a warm and inviting atmosphere. All in all, it is not about the size but the experience that matters. What you make out of the space, no matter big or small.
Conclusion
Micro living is not about the size but how you use it. In a world where there is so much consumerism and dynamic energies outside your living space, it is important to have a space with substance. A small space can feel more spacious if all of it is in use every day. During our times, owning less means more freedom, less mental clutter, and more mental clarity. Quoting Hans Hoffman “The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.“
