Tiny Houses: The illusion of a way out of the living crisis?
Tiny Houses: The illusion of a way out of the living crisis?
The Tiny House movement, which has increasingly gained popularity in recent years, is criticized. Architect Daniel Fuhrhop comments in an article by vienna.at critically about the idea of considering small houses as a solution to the living problem. It describes the movement as "social hideousness" and as "eyewiping", which distracts from the larger, structural problems. Fuhrhop argues that the focus is on the necessary structural reforms in the background.
In the discussion about Tiny Houses,is often overlooked that the average living space per person in Germany has increased in recent decades despite rising rents. Instead of presenting solutions, Fuhrhop criticizes that mini houses are more likely to be found at design fairs than in real settlements. This trend could not really fight the basic social grievances because it does not concern the distribution of living space.
The story of the Tiny House movement
The idea of the Tiny Houses began in response to the 2007 financial crisis and the associated housing crisis. According to an article by Jacobin gained greater awareness in 2015. A Tiny House measures between 9 and 37 m² and is therefore considerably smaller than the average living space in the USA, which was around 240 m² in 2014. The trend was propagated as a possible solution for homelessness and the problems in urban areas.
In addition to the psychological Four Houses Illusion, the movement also offers historical roots that go back to the works of Lloyd Kahn and Sarah Susanka. Nevertheless, Tiny Houses's actual energy efficiency is controversial. Critics point out that alternative forms of living, how well -renovated old buildings, could be more sustainable. The legal status is also considered problematic, since Tiny Houses are legally classified in many countries as motorhomes.criticism and challenges
Although the mobility of Tiny Houses promises many advantages, it is also a risk. Owners can get into a precarious situation due to the constant change in the locations and the associated susceptibility to displacement. In Denver, activists recently experienced a tiny house settlement by the police.
The argument that Tiny Houses meet the needs of low -income families and homeless people is also questioned. Over 216,000 families were homeless in the USA in 2014, while more than 17.4 million apartments are uninhabited. Fuhrhop emphasizes that an improvement in the existing building guidelines and the intelligent use of existing areas are necessary to effectively combat the lack of housing.
outlook and future
The Tiny House Movement triggered a certain trend and attracted people who are striving for a minimalist life, but the question remains whether it is really a solution to the major challenges in the housing market. The focus should not only be on the reduction of living space, but rather on the fair distribution and the sustainable creation of living space, according to Fuhrhop's central message in the comprehensive discourse on living and social expression. It remains to be seen how this discussion will develop, while the demand for living space in urban areas is steadily increasing.
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| Ort | Vienna, Österreich |
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