'Designing loneliness into American floor plans'

This article delves into the idealized portrayal of kitchens, particularly those associated with Nancy Meyers's films, and examines the disparity between these aspirational spaces and the realities of everyday life. The author begins by describing her own significantly less glamorous kitchen, setting a personal and relatable contrast to the meticulously designed, expensive kitchens often featured in popular media and aspirational Instagram posts. The piece highlights a recent internet fascination with Nancy Meyers's personal kitchen, characterized by its lavish features like two islands, a large range, and numerous matching accessories. The author notes that online comments were overwhelmingly positive, equating Meyers's personal kitchen with the cinematic ideal she creates. This observation prompts a deeper inquiry into the underlying meaning and impact of such perfect kitchens. To explore this, the author consults two friends: 'Best Taste,' known for her discerning eye, and 'Two Islands,' who possesses an even larger and more luxurious kitchen than Meyers. Two Islands initially offers an analytical perspective, connecting Meyers's kitchen aesthetics to her film narratives. She suggests that these kitchens symbolize a woman's arrival at an idealized, independent life, often after overcoming personal challenges. However, this analytical facade eventually gives way to a more personal and vulnerable reflection from Two Islands, revealing the potential for loneliness and disillusionment even within these seemingly perfect environments. She admits that while her own opulent kitchen offers utility for cooking and gathering, it also serves as a poignant reminder of a past marriage and current solitude. The narrative takes a turn when 'Best Taste' begins to express her own strong, critical opinions through text messages. Her perspective is far less romanticized, viewing the perfectly staged kitchens as symbols of inequality, privilege, and an unrealistic pursuit of a 'Pinterest-perfect' life. She questions the authenticity of these spaces, pointing out the absence of the 'dirt, the pet stains, the one dish that isn’t alabaster,' which are common in real homes. Best Taste argues that such idealized representations contribute to a societal longing for an unattainable lifestyle, diverting attention from real-world issues. This critical viewpoint resonates with the author, who observes the discomfort it causes 'Two Islands.' Ultimately, 'Two Islands' acknowledges the underlying sentiment of loneliness and the hope that perfection might lead to happiness. She confesses that her dream kitchen, acquired during a past marriage, has become a symbol of her current isolation, ironically mirroring the very loneliness she felt Meyers's kitchens might evoke. The article concludes with a personal anecdote involving 'Two Islands' receiving texts from a former, 'nice' ex-husband, suggesting a potential shift in her life, but she maintains that the fantasy associated with her kitchen ends abruptly with reality. The author implies that the desire for these perfect spaces often masks deeper emotional needs and that while visually appealing, they can represent unattainable ideals or even serve as monuments to personal struggles rather than pure domestic bliss. The piece thoughtfully explores the psychological and societal implications of coveting idealized domestic spaces. #InteriorDesign #NancyMeyers #KitchenDesign #IdealizedHomes #SocialCommentary #Privilege #Loneliness #AspirationalLiving

Deck-access housing, often criticized and associated with urban blight in the UK, is experiencing a resurgence, driven by a new generation of architects. This typology, famously dubbed "streets in the sky," was once a prevalent feature in 1960s social housing projects, designed to separate pedestrians from vehicular traffic. However, it quickly garnered a negative reputation, becoming synonymous with anti-social behavior and even urban dystopia in popular culture. This negative perception was so deeply entrenched that some deck-access schemes were demolished shortly after their completion, and influential figures, such as former RIBA president Lancelot Keay, disparaged it as "housing for dirty people." Insurers, mortgage lenders, and urban planners continue to approach deck-access homes with caution, often advising against their implementation. Despite this historical prejudice, the article highlights that many of the UK's finest modernist housing examples, including Park Hill and Dawson Heights, utilize deck access. Hundreds of thousands of residents continue to live in such schemes, using elevated walkways daily without incident and often enjoying the arrangement. The author notes that the narrative surrounding deck-access housing often lacks nuance, particularly after high-profile structural failures in prefab designs during the 1980s and Alice Coleman's influential 1985 report, "Utopia on Trial," which linked these designs to social unrest. After a 30-year decline, the typology is making a comeback, with leading architectural firms like Haworth Tompkins, Apparata, and RCKa championing its revival. This renewed interest is explored in "The Deck Access Housing Design Guide," co-authored by Rory Olcayto and Andrew Beharrell, with a foreword by Owen Hatherley. The book chronicles the evolution of this housing type, presents contemporary British and European case studies, and offers practical design guidance. Surprisingly, the resurgence was catalyzed by former London Mayor Boris Johnson's 2009 draft of the London Housing Design Guide. This guide advocated for dual-aspect homes and identified deck access as a viable method to achieve this, emphasizing the importance of an appropriate vernacular. Most of the architects involved in this revival, including Stirling Prize-winners and finalists, were too young to have practiced during the "peak deck" era of the 1960s and 70s. These architects, influenced by the public-spirited modernism of their predecessors, embraced the mayor's challenge, developing a style known as the New London Vernacular (NLV). NLV is characterized as an anti-iconic housing style that emerged in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. It was conceived as a de-risked strategy for developers, being easier to cost, design, build, and sell, and more effective at providing accurate land values than the icon-driven regeneration projects of previous decades. While the London Housing Design Guide did not explicitly mandate brick, it heavily stressed "context," which in London often translates to brick. The guide also called for "tenure-blind" housing with inviting entrances and spacious balconies, as defined in a 2012 report by David Birkbeck and Julian Hart for Urban Design London. Unlike its post-war implementation, which focused on separating pedestrians and cars, contemporary deck-access housing aims to provide high-density dual-aspect homes with individual front doors. While British examples might appear more conservative than their continental counterparts, a closer examination reveals a diverse range of approaches. Examples include Henley Halebrown's playful designs, Matthew Lloyd Architects' blending of new homes with historic estates, and Haworth Tompkins' brick facades for the Silchester Estate. Other notable projects include Murray Grove, Apparata's A House for Artists, and various retrofits of existing structures like Park Hill and former barracks. The article concludes by asserting that the return of deck-access housing, offering dual-aspect homes with cross-ventilation, ample daylight, and enhanced identity through individual front doors, is a positive development, especially given its ability to achieve approximately 300 homes per hectare. While currently favored by urban affordable housing providers, growing planning requirements for dual-aspect flats and advancements in factory-built housing suggest a broader adoption of this typology in the future. #DeckAccessHousing #SocialHousing #UrbanPlanning #ArchitecturalRevival #NewLondonVernacular #ModernistArchitecture #HousingDesign #UKArchitecture #ArchitecturalOpinion

The traditional, walled-off dining room, once a common feature in American homes, is becoming increasingly rare in new single-family houses and is often completely absent from newly constructed apartments. This shift reflects both changing consumer preferences and the impact of the ongoing housing crisis and associated regulations. Historically, the dining room emerged in the early 20th century as a feature of upper-middle-class homes that employed domestic staff, creating a separate space for servants. In homes without servants, these separate spaces also reinforced gender norms, segregating male and female domains, with women primarily responsible for domestic tasks in kitchens and dining rooms. Over time, as gender roles evolved, the demand for separate, formal dining spaces decreased. Today, the 'great room,' an open-plan design combining the living room, kitchen, and an informal dining area, has largely replaced the classic dining room in single-family homes. This design prioritizes maximizing usable square footage and caters to a desire for combined kitchen and dining spaces, with surveys indicating a strong preference for such layouts among homeowners. While many Americans welcome this evolution in houses, the situation in apartments is more complex. Real estate developers often sacrifice dining areas in apartments to allocate limited space to bedrooms and walk-in closets, especially given the shrinking average household size and the rise in one-person households. For young, unmarried apartment dwellers, developers aim to maximize personal space, leading to the omission of common dining areas. This absence of dedicated dining spaces has implications beyond architectural trends. Despite an increase in at-home dining, many new apartments offer only a kitchen island for eating. This contributes to a growing trend of Americans eating alone, which has been linked to the country's loneliness epidemic and various physical and mental health issues. The question arises whether this is a matter of consumer choice or a consequence of external factors like restrictive building codes and zoning regulations. For example, building codes in many U.S. cities mandate double-loaded corridors, making it difficult to construct larger apartments. When only small apartments with limited windows can be built, rooms, including dining rooms, are often eliminated, particularly those without natural light. Cities with acute housing shortages and stringent zoning rules often result in numerous tiny apartments and a scarcity of dining rooms. This raises concerns about fostering social connection in an era where shared meals could be beneficial. The article suggests that just as scientists have found a previously unknown function for the appendix (as a reservoir for healthy gut bacteria), perhaps dining rooms, too, could serve a more crucial purpose in promoting social interaction and combating loneliness. The disappearance of dining rooms, particularly in urban apartment settings, highlights how housing policy and design choices can inadvertently shape social behaviors and well-being. #HomeDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #FloorPlans #HousingCrisis #UrbanPlanning #InteriorDesignTrends #SocialImplications #ZoningLaws

This article discusses the publication of a new deck of cards by Spanish publisher a+t architecture publishers, focusing on collective living floor plans. This deck is part of their broader series on urban density, building upon their previous urban block flashcards. The publishing house has collaborated with ArchDaily to share expanded versions of these cards, which include detailed typical floor plans and individual unit layouts. These expanded cards offer insights into the designs, privacy parameters, and external openings for each project. The parameters used to define these designs are comprehensive, covering both vertical and horizontal circulation within the buildings. They also detail the floor plan area, a critical factor in determining the spatial efficiency and liveability of the units. The number of units per floor is another key parameter, influencing density and the overall scale of the collective housing projects. Beyond internal metrics, the cards also provide data on external areas, facade perimeters, and the size of openings, which are crucial for understanding natural light, ventilation, and the connection to the external environment. The collection features a total of 50 housing projects, all constructed between the years 2000 and 2017. These projects represent a diverse range of typologies within collective housing, showcasing various approaches to social housing design. The article highlights 10 typical floor plans from this extensive deck, offering readers a glimpse into the architectural variety and innovative solutions presented in the publication. Each floor plan is accompanied by an information frame that compiles the relevant data, making it easier for architects, urban planners, and enthusiasts to analyze and compare different designs. The initiative by a+t architecture publishers and ArchDaily provides a valuable resource for studying contemporary social housing. By illustrating diverse typologies and detailed design parameters, the flashcards facilitate a deeper understanding of urban density and collective living. The publication aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on designing efficient, functional, and socially responsible housing solutions. The collection serves as a practical tool for professionals and students alike, offering a visual and data-rich compilation of successful housing projects that address the challenges of urban living in the 21st century. #SocialHousing #FloorPlans #CollectiveLiving #UrbanDensity #ResidentialArchitecture #ATArchitecturePublishers #ArchitecturalDesign #HousingTypologies #ArchitecturalResearch

The article explores the emerging trend of "broken-concept" layouts in home design, moving away from both traditional closed-concept and fully open-concept floor plans. This innovative approach aims to offer a balance between openness and defined spaces, addressing common challenges associated with the extremes of previous design trends. A broken-concept layout utilizes subtle architectural and design elements to delineate areas without resorting to solid walls or doors, thereby maintaining a sense of spaciousness while providing privacy and functionality. Several design professionals offer insights into implementing broken-concept layouts. Josh Linder of Evolve Residential highlights the use of a 'tunnel' feature, not only as a secondary entrance to a dining area but also as an opportunity for dramatic architectural interest and a display stage for client treasures. Linder emphasizes that this approach allows each space to have a distinctive point of view with unique color palettes and wallpapers, fostering creative design opportunities. Jeff Aird, a designer who reworked a Paris apartment, advocates for incorporating archways and partial walls. These elements provide acoustic separation and defined functionality while preserving a sense of spaciousness and connection. Aird stresses the importance of using soft architectural elements like archways, columns, or thoughtfully placed furnishings to define spaces without fully closing them off, creating intrigue by offering glimpses into adjacent areas while ensuring each zone feels contained and purposeful. David Piscuskas of 1100 Architect discusses the strategic use of glass as a quasi-wall. Glass panes separate rooms without impeding visual flow, allowing for distinct areas within an overall open feel. This method addresses clients' desires for both functionality and a sense of expansiveness, pushing beyond traditional 'either-or' propositions in interior environments. Interior designer Amy Vroom of The Residency Bureau suggests adding steps or incorporating sunken living rooms to create natural changes in elevation. This design choice visually and physically separates spaces without the need for walls, fostering a cozy, tucked-in atmosphere that contrasts with adjacent open areas, reminiscent of a revived 1970s trend. Finally, Susannah Holmberg presents color-coding as a solution for smaller spaces where significant architectural changes are not feasible. By using wallpaper and paint on ceilings, designers can demarcate areas, such as an entryway, creating a distinct impression even in the absence of physical barriers. This method allows for a 'showstopper, first impression moment' that sets the tone for the rest of the home's design. The broken-concept layout, therefore, represents a versatile and nuanced approach to modern home design, offering adaptability and creative freedom. #HomeDesign #FloorPlans #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalTrends #BrokenConcept #SpacePlanning #ResidentialDesign #DesignInnovation

The article explores the emerging popularity of the 'broken plan layout' in home design, a concept that skillfully merges the advantages of both traditional open and closed floor plans. This layout offers a flexible solution for homeowners who appreciate both the spaciousness and connectivity of open plans and the distinctiveness and privacy offered by closed plans. It addresses the common dilemma faced by individuals who find merit in both design philosophies but are hesitant to commit to one exclusively. Historically, home design has been largely dominated by two primary floor plan types: open and closed. Open floor plans are characterized by large, interconnected spaces, often combining the living room, dining area, and kitchen into one large area. Proponents of this design highlight its ability to foster a sense of togetherness, facilitate entertaining, and maximize natural light. Conversely, closed floor plans feature distinct, separate rooms, each with a specific function. Advocates for closed plans value the privacy they offer, the clear delineation of spaces, and the opportunity to create unique atmospheres in individual rooms. The broken plan layout emerges as a compromise, offering a middle ground that satisfies the desires for both openness and compartmentalization. A broken plan layout achieves separation within an open area without relying on full-height walls. Instead, it utilizes various architectural and design elements to create visual and functional divisions. These elements can be permanent features such as partial walls, built-in shelving units, double-sided fireplaces, or glass partitions, which allow light to penetrate while still defining boundaries. More temporary and flexible elements like strategically placed furniture, decorative screens, area rugs, and tall shelving units are also employed. These flexible solutions are particularly beneficial for homeowners who want to experiment with different configurations or adapt their living spaces to evolving needs without undertaking major renovations. One of the key benefits of the broken plan is its ability to introduce a sense of coziness and clear purpose to areas that might otherwise feel too expansive or undefined in an entirely open plan. For instance, a large, open living room can be subtly sectioned off into a more intimate lounge area using a substantial bookcase, or a dining room can gain a degree of separation from an adjacent kitchen with the addition of a china cabinet. This approach allows for a perception of continuity while still providing the psychological and functional benefits of distinct spaces. The article also suggests that these less permanent fixtures can serve as a testing ground for homeowners considering more extensive future renovations, allowing them to gauge the effectiveness of their desired spatial divisions. Furthermore, the broken plan layout is presented as a clever solution for those who previously favored open floor plans but have since developed a desire for more defined areas. It allows for increased control over sightlines, sound, and privacy without completely sacrificing the airy feel and natural light typically associated with open designs. By offering a balanced approach, this layout caters to a broader range of homeowner preferences, providing a harmonious blend of connection and distinction in modern living spaces. #HomeDesign #FloorPlans #BrokenPlanLayout #InteriorDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #HomeRenovation #SpacePlanning

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent quarantine measures have significantly altered daily routines and habits, prompting a reevaluation of fundamental aspects of home living. A notable shift in preference has emerged regarding home layouts, moving away from the previously popular open-concept design. This change is primarily driven by an increased desire for privacy, as individuals spend more time at home and engage in activities like remote work and virtual meetings. The challenges of maintaining focus and privacy in an open-plan environment, especially with multiple household members, have highlighted the need for distinct, separate spaces. According to a report from Zillow, the preference for privacy is now superseding the enthusiasm for open-concept layouts, a significant reversal from trends observed as recently as November 2019, when listings highlighting open-concept floor plans had doubled since 2015. This shift is particularly understandable for those who have experienced the disruptions of working or studying from home amidst background noise and activity. Experts in home design, such as Katie Detwiler from Berks Homes, anticipate a future where homes will incorporate more doors, enhanced sound insulation, and dedicated separate areas to accommodate varying needs, such as children's activities while parents work. For some homeowners, the desire for more individual rooms is so strong that they are considering drastic measures, with Zillow reporting that 27 percent of surveyed individuals would contemplate moving to a different home to achieve this. However, for those not ready for a move or major renovation, several temporary and creative solutions can help delineate spaces and enhance privacy within existing open layouts. These solutions focus on carving out distinct zones within a larger area. Examples include using paint to create visual separation, such as a mini mural to define dining and living areas, or strategically placing furniture like a long table to section off a kitchen from other living spaces. Another innovative approach involves hanging tapestries or other decorative dividers to create visual and partial acoustic barriers. While these temporary fixes may not offer the complete privacy of traditionally walled-off rooms, they provide practical and adaptable ways to address the newfound importance of personal space in homes. The pandemic has underscored the evolving demands placed on residential spaces, leading to a renewed appreciation for compartmentalization and the ability to create individualized sanctuaries within the home. #OpenPlanLayout #HomeDesignTrends #InteriorDesign #PrivacyAtHome #WorkFromHome #QuarantineImpact #SpaceDividers #HomeRenovation #ResidentialArchitecture