Living Small

When Jimmy Carter urged Americans to turn their thermostats down to 68 degrees, the fashion industry responded by making long skirts, boots, leg warmers and layered sweaters the look of the season.

In other words, Americans don't sacrifice. They make sacrifice fashionable.

That story came to mind when I read Haya El Nasser's story in USA Today on micro-apartments.  Micro as in 264 square feet.  The big buzz is around the smaller units that offer small prices, big common amenities and bustling neighborhoods.  As one micro-renter told Haya, "I barely drive now. I walk to work. I walk to the dry cleaner, the corner, the bar."

Four trends are driving the trend of living small:  the tanking economy, eco-consciousness, millennials who have less money to spend and "want to be in a more social urban environment", and the urban renaissance. 

A second story in Met Home by Karrie Jacobs reinforces the trend.  She profiled Portland's skinny houses. Developed to take advantage of skinny lots, the homes have not always been popular with neighbors who fear contemporary design, but they are clearly a fine response to the trends Haya identified.  

  

Dave Reid, December 8, 2008

I'm not sure about "micro" units but there is definitely a market for small studios in most cities.

Link: http://urbanmilwaukee.com

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