Small Spaces in Highrises Inspire Simplicity
New urban highrise construction is leaning towards small spaces like Asians and Europeans are accustomed to which inspire simplicity.
On a recent visit to Seattle, and Vancouver, I noticed that 850 square’ or less small spaces for apartments or condos are becoming the norm similar to New York & other big cities.
The price of land and materials has skyrocketed, but a developer I talked to mentioned another consideration is that; many of the new inhabitants are from oversees – China, India, and Europe, where they are used to a lifestyle of small spaces and simplicity at home.
In America, we drive into the garage of our large, overstuffed homes, and close the door to the outside world.
In these other countries, the urban streets are teeming with the dynamic energy of people connecting in the parks, sidewalk cafes, and dancing in the streets every night to a boombox.
Being in Nature has always been very important to those who live in more populated areas. Walking and riding bicycles every day in parks, the forests, and by the lake or seaside are highly valued – and the benefit is healthier bodies naturally while having fun and connecting with others.
Perhaps we could learn from our Eastern counterparts who have practiced the various arts of living in small spaces learned from being in Nature such as; feng shui and wabi sabi.
Feng Shui is about cultivating, containing and conserving the positive energies of our surroundings and releasing that which is not good for us.
Wabi Sabi is about valuing that which is imperfect. The flaws add to the beauty!!! The focus is on one item to appreciate it’s beauty in a simple space devoid of clutter.
If we could learn to appreciate these principles in ourselves, perhaps we could shift from being a society that is obsessed with extreme make-overs and craving to be someone other than our own true nature.
3 beneficial feng shui elements I recommend for clients to embrace in small spaces?
- More Healthy Green Plants! They clean the air and bring-in natural vitality. (Large plants are easier to care for because they do not dry out so quickly and have established root systems)
- Aquariums with live plants (a natural eco-system -no plastic please)! Watching the fish is meditative and helps you get out of your thoughts to relax naturally.
- More sunlight! Correctly placed windows which open are a must to fulfill our biological need for natural light and natural flow of air.
Reduce artificial goods and embrace natural simplicity to create harmony within.
Contact me for a personal consultation.
The benefits are better than a spa treatment and they will last a lot longer.