Living Big in Small Spaces

Abstract

The increasing housing affordability issues, changing demographic preferences, and population growth have led to a demand for new housing alternatives that address spatial constraints and the desire to live in city centers or closer to workplaces. Micro-living has emerged as a potential solution, but the extreme reduction in dwelling size raises concerns about the occupants' wellbeing. This thesis aims to explore interior design strategies that can enhance the living experience in micro apartments and identify factors that significantly impact the occupants' satisfaction. The research questions guiding this thesis are: Which interior design strategies can improve the living experience in micro-living? and What factors have a significant impact on a pleasant living experience? The study is based on qualitative data obtained from existing studies, experiments, and expert opinions. By analyzing these findings, designers can gain a deeper understanding of how occupants perceive and react to different design elements in micro apartments, enabling them to make informed design decisions. The research also investigates the challenges faced in micro apartments and their effects on the physical and mental wellbeing of occupants. Solutions derived from the findings are compiled into design strategies specific to micro-living, aimed at mitigating these challenges. The thesis includes an analysis of four case studies to explore the implementation of design strategies in real-world projects. By examining the factors and design elements identified in the literature review, the study assesses how the strategies outlined in this thesis were employed in each project and their impact on the overall design outcome. Keywords: housing affordability, micro-living, interior design, living experience, wellbeing, design strategies, case studies