Like, a reeeally little place. This is a story that asks “How much space do you need?” And also “How little space can you tolerate?”
In San Francisco, where the average studio apartment rents for more than $2,000/month, the city is ready to vote on a rule allowing developers to build apartments as small as 220 square feet in size. Roughly 10 feet by 20.
At a minimum 150 square feet of living space — 220 when you add the bathroom, kitchen and closet — the proposed residences are being hailed as a pivotal option for singles. LA Times
They hope the micro apartments will go for $1200-1700/ month. Great for a city where over 40% of the population lives alone. However…
Opponents fear that a wave of “shoe box homes” would further marginalize families of modest means who are desperate for larger accommodations…. And buildings full of micro-units could cause a spike in population density that might strain public transit and already limited parks and public spaces. LA Times
As for me, I have done the Saturday walking tour of IKEA, where the fake apartments get smaller and smaller, until “Here’s how you can cram into 300 square feet!” And it gave me the creeps!
So what do you think? Clever idea, or the most depressing idea ever? (Or both?)
Makes me depressed thinking about such a small space and the rent beginning at $1200 got to be kidding. Now if someone could live in such a small place (I can’t imagine who or why they would) why not build your own small home. Even if I was on my own and lived in a big city I could not see myself in such a tiny space. I would nuts. But, on the other hand it would be easy to clean.
As one who currently shares 640 sq.ft. of living space with another adult, I can most ardently state I would never live in a space as small as these shoebox apts. I don’t believe that even allows for fresh air to circulate does it? And the wages in Calif. certainly doesn’t allow a single individual to afford up to $1700.00 a month for just the rent.
I’d have to move to another state. I like my space, shared with family and go to my little office when I need time to myself.
not for me . i guess there are people that do not need much more than a “place to hang there hat ” but myself i would go crazy in a place like that
in japan this has been the norm for years in the larger cities
Pete Seeger sings a song “Little boxes,little boxes all made of ticky tacky.” Is what I thought of when I read the latest observation/question.
as a person that just move out of a studio apartment, I can tell you if you spend any time at home its to small.
When you can stand in the middle of the room, strech your arms out and be able to touch the walls on both sides is WAY too small. I call them “pigmie” rooms