Solo in the city : restructuring space, privacy, and autonomy in housing for a contemporary solo demographic

Abstract

Whether constructed for an individual or a group, homes were once a reflection of the needs and preferences of their occupants, providing the foundation for stability, identity, and control. The commodification of shelter in western nations resulted in a steady supply of dwellings suited to the most popular social unit, the nuclear family. Demographic changes over the past several decades, however, have reduced the dominance of this unit, with other households beginning to take shape and grow in number. Of these, the solo dweller represents the fastest growing segment of the population, brought about by changing views on marriage and family, as well as the contraceptive and gender revolutions. Somewhere in this process, architects, developers, and public policy initiatives have failed to make the same accommodations for these demographic shifts as were exercised during the Baby Boom. The result is a demographic that has little choice but to reside in dwellings that were not designed for their specific needs for space, privacy, and autonomy. This has significant social, psychological, and economic consequences for an expanding segment of the population, particularly in housing stressed markets.

Project site: 6 Carlaw Park Avenue, Parnell, Auckland.