Finally Affordable Housing Is Here!

San Francisco and New York City are experimenting with

a somewhat new concept in urban housing-the micro studio

apartment. A micro-studio has between 220 and 350 square feet

of space. This is just enough living space for a small family unit

of 1-3 people.
 

The driving forces behind this new concept are the high cost

of living space in cities, the need for new housing, events

like Hurricane Sandy, lower energy costs and the desire

of young people to collect fewer possessions.
 

The advent of the net computer, ipads, Kindle and phones

like the Blackberry has meant that people now collect

fewer books in favor of access to information by computer.

In addition, people have more opportunities to socialize

outside the home with more volunteering, multiple jobs,

gym memberships and a host of activities that keep

people engaged outdoors.
 

There are numerous advantages to the micro-studios.

For instance, beds can be folded into the wall with

combinations like bed/closet or bed/shelving.

Kitchen appliances can be built into the walls.

Energy costs are lower due to the need to heat/air condition

a much smaller/compact living space.
 

Opponents have argued against the concept for fear

of placing too much stress on public accommodations,

medical care delivery and local transit due to higher

densities of people living in the same neighborhood.

In NYC, Mayor Bloomberg has agreed to waive the existing

zoning laws on a limited basis in order to incubate the

micro-studio concept in Manhattan. The new

micro-studios would be between 250-350 square feet.

Currently, San Francisco is considering a floor of 220

square feet in its zoning laws.
 

The only remaining question is whether or not people

will embrace the micro-studio apartments on a large

enough scale to whet the appetites of construction

builders. Is the micro-studio an idea whose time

has come or is the notion simply another passing fad?


Credits:  First Published on Blogcritics