Small Spaces

Current trends such as the tiny house movement are shifting the way we perceive space, and how we use it. These trends pick up on the inherent need for space, and the fleeting nature of this commodity in our modern world. It is crucial these concentrated spaces hit the right note.

There seem to be a few patterns common to a successful small space:

• Gradation in an Exterior Boundary: Various elements serve to connect yet slow the energy linking public and private space. When a boundaries’ perception becomes multidimensional, it transforms into its’ own space from a mere passageway.

Patios represent a transitional area where the private meets the public space. Successful patios are denoted by semi-protected views into the public realm, resulting in a secluded perception. When this space is gradually introduced to the public realm through a series of gradually expanding screens, both the public and private areas feel more at ease; the connection is subtle yet present.

The detail and materiality of these screening objects also have a major impact on the perception of the space; I find that organically textured materials and plants appeal most to the senses. This screening gradient may begin at the public realm with large, solitary objects such as trees that also serve as a landmark. The proceeding spaces may begin to be populated by loose screens such as low walls and perforated fences. Approaching the intermediary patio area, fine screens such as vegetation and canopies employ the shelter that makes this space feel safe, while maintaining viewing portals to the public realm. Bounding this intermediary space, the screening may culminate in opaque and solid surfaces that contain the purely private realm beyond. Here is where we find our entrance to the personal space. Layering grants the space complexity, and heightens the perception of the transition between public and private space.

So often do we experience abrupt shifts between the two spheres of public and private space. These shifts may be exiting: departing a vehicle onto a busy street; stepping out onto a busy sidewalk from an enclosed entry vestibule. We may then subconsciously internalize our environments’ stress. Each of these situations vacillates between two polar opposites such as peace and hectic-ness. Without a space for adaption or transition, we are left flustered and naturally uneasy. When we look to nature, sudden stimulus equates to a stress hormone trigger. Incorporating and blending this transition carefully into the exterior boundary can improve the quality of the entire spaces’ experience- crucial when the quantity of space is limited.

• Ample Sunlight: Too frequently is the orientation of a structure in its environment neglected. Our buildings are as much living as any animal or plant- and as such need healthy access to sunlight (among other elements).

Any space that achieves a dappled natural lighting becomes immensely attractive to be in. This is likened to the shade of a tree, where the undulating light and shadows evoke all things natural, always unique while always similar. Anthropologically, the canopy of a tree represents great safety and bounty. Biologically, we adapt best gradually transitioning between extremes slowly; we see the notion of gradients appear here again. In contrast, human senses perceive polar conditions with animosity; lighting is no exception. Spaces with glaring light or dark shadows never seem to be welcoming. It is naturally relaxing to be in the presence of soft diffuse light. Conversely, the power of the sun to reinvigorate should not be underestimated, though in the same light stress can be amplified — leading to the need for balance between the two.

This all goes to show what a major and varying role light plays in out daily lives. A balanced and versatile availability of light serves the human condition best, where one can subconsciously regulate oneself moving between light and dark. Thus, implementing gradients becomes crucial in enabling the smooth and natural transition between the two, leading an individual to find just the right condition for any moment.

In general, hugging the southern exposure, or encompassing the southern space, will enhance the surrounding spaces in a ripple-effect. As in a central courtyard where the sun meets the ground: the connected spaces glow with light rippling out of this nexus. It is crucial to scale this space so the winter sun will still reach the ground, where a shadowed wall would otherwise become off-putting. In general, a balanced space will have the amount of light present on a wall equal to or greater than the amount of ground in shade.

• Verticality: The preservation of exterior space is one of the notable benefits of small spaces. Skillfully implementing verticality is a crucial tool in maintaining functionality as well as privacy in a space, and to achieve the perfect density for a given site.

Elevating private areas such as bedrooms and patios can free ground space, while imbuing these private spaces with importance and security. This also touches on the safety associated with elevated spaces from biological roots as tree-dwellers, relating to dappled light. On a functional note, the simple physics property that heat rises creates a passive efficiency, where the spaces we inhabit at night will capture the latent heat of our spaces, at the times when the outside temperatures are the lowest.

Another great asset of well-scaled verticality is the medium density it enables, which creates the framework for walkable community. A walkable community supports itself- in the sense that walkability supports community, and vice-versa. This framework may be denoted when there are enough people to stimulate a variety of connections while not too many to become impersonal. When the per capita to land area ratio hits the right number, more amenities are also able to be supported that in return enrich the entire community. Balance, yet again, is crucial in crafting a successful density of our built environment- utilizing the tool of verticality tactfully.

Efficiencies of sustainable transportation become realized at medium densities enabled by vertical design. Our current transportation system is outdated, flawed, and ill. Moreover, its ill is affecting far beyond the transportation issue itself. It is hopefully common knowledge that climate change is a major factor in the world, and that our methods of transportation are greatly culpable for this. It is only natural to embrace what has come before, and to honor the ways of our forefathers; These practices simply cannot continue though, and it has become painfully clear the error of our current consumption patterns. Medium density thus offers a practical solution, where walkability and public transportation can be implemented. The effect is to greatly decrease the energy consumed per capita. This is seen in transportation directly, as well as in all the aspects of our lives consumption.