Initial Concept Ideas

Our initial concept of space saving electronics was created in response to the decreasing size of living spaces available around the world. In extremely densely populated countries such as Hong Kong, where the “land mass” is “1,104sq km” yet the “population” is “7 million”, the poorest “social groups” are living in such difficult conditions. Described as “Human Battery Hens”, whole families are cramped into a single minute room where storage of food and possessions has to be so compact to make room for slight movement around the home. It is hard to believe that this is 2014 and identifies a real problem with standards of living.

In contrast, in more ecologically developed areas in many countries, architects are being pushed to design new “parking space housing” in limited spaces. “Leftover land” becomes new homes and “urban infill”. Consumers are challenged to store all belongings and necessities and live within these confined spaces. Efficient layout and design is essential within these properties. Certain components are given an overlapped dual-purpose for different times within the day to give space for various activities, for example “corridor” spaces become “desk spaces” as a section of the wall folds down and beds fold up to give under bed storage. Clever design gives illusions of more space, including “open stairs” and “sliding doors”.

This compact living is also a result of the increased expense of properties and the lack of housing available. The charity YMCA are aware of this problem and have responded with a campaign that provides people with low incomes of 1/3 of the UK minimum wage a living space. Shipping containers from China have been set up in parking lots in London to give a quick solution ad a space to live in for a number of people.

This initial concept identifies cost and accessibly constraints in addition to the lack of space. These factors will help guide further idea development. 

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