Micro-units to Cause Increasing Levels of Stress
New York, like a lot of major cities, has gradually been inching its way towards a crisis: a lack of living space, especially for those looking for modest accommodations like a condominium. Currently there are 1.8 million one- and two-person households, while only one million studios or bachelors exist.
In an effort to help alleviate the problem, New York City Mayor Bloomberg held a competition last year that invited the public to design and build a residential tower of micro-units. Micro-units are apartments that range from 250 and 370 square feet and, at first glance, offer a convenient solution to the city’s lack of real estate. However, according to experts, the potential risks of living in such a confined space outweigh the benefits.
Though well designed smaller spaces are great for young professionals in their 20s, they can potentially lead to serious health issues once they reach their 30s and 40s.
The reason is primarily twofold. For one thing, the stress of maintaining such a small abode can be burdensome. The functionality of smaller units (like folding and unfolding a Murphy bed) cannot hide the fact that there is simply less space to use for self-expression and relaxation. As a result, cramped spaces don’t often meet these psychological needs. Second, a lack of space can be isolating since it’s more difficult to have friends over and entertain. Both of these are aspects of life that the average person requires in order to stave off things like stress and loneliness.
Though micro-living stresses the importance of functionality over the aesthetically pleasing, and though the savings that come with smaller units can be significant, they can greatly detract from the positives that come with a healthy lifestyle.
http://m.theatlanticcities.com/housing/2013/12/health-risks-small-apartments/7929/
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