“It is a misfortune that dignity and elevated thoughts are often dependent on the spatial situation in a room, on an uplifting view from a window, on a particular amount of light and colour,…”
Christian Morgenstern (German writer, 1871-1914)
Having a place to live in is a piece of good fortune. If that place feels like a home; it is even more fortunate. If it allows us to organise our thoughts, to feel safe and free, and to experience dignity and well-being, it is a private getaway for the heart and soul. The higher the population density in a city, the more keenly people seek privacy and a refuge. Living in a community with so many people at close quarters is only bearable when it is offset by privacy and individuality. Our health and happiness rely on a fine balance between communal and private space. In 2020, we have really noticed this: turbulence in the world outside, has impacted our inner world. Due to a lack of human interaction, many people who used to draw strength from seclusion now feel lonely in their private retreat. So, to be more specific: at the moment, the greatest good fortune is to live with our loved ones around us. The relationship between where we live and the outer world is not only emotional; it is also ideological: the homes we build are based on our perspective of the world. Belief in the future often manifests itself in bold high-rise buildings and urban utopias. The way we see the world also stems from the perspective we have from our everyday location, at present this is often our own home. Depending on whether you live in a penthouse or in the basement, there is a considerable difference in perception. Our thoughts are influenced by the space and atmosphere of our surroundings. Clear, enlightened thinking is contingent on clear, enlightened spaces. This means that the most demanding challenge planners are faced with is designing residential properties, from the most basic to the most luxurious. The design requirements on these properties are high and their impact on how we think and live and, in consequence, on our society and our future is even higher. So, in this issue, take a look at the outside world from your own home.
Read the new issue of ALUCOBOND’s digital magazine Forms & Elements.