Is it possible to have a collection of people, who appreciate good design and products across a range of disciplines, live collaboratively across the globe in dedicated spaces?
I wonder if there is consensus amongst different disciplines, and an appreciation of a common set of design, and aesthetic, that would allow for a standard housing design that could be repeated in different locations?
Not so much for people who are constantly moving around. Not for digital nomads. No, not for those with no sense of community, and and over entitled sense of self.
More for those that stay in one place for a longer period. Long enough to make connections. But still need to move around a little.
Perhaps there’s commonality that comes from the roots of different cities, and we can appreciate and propagate the best of differences into a variety of locations?
My reference cities are Berlin, Manchester, Melbourne, and Málaga.
Each has it’s differences, and some aspect that many besides myself love.
In Berlin we have altbau buildings, with their high ceilings, and wooden floors, and white walls. Hinterhof courtyards. We have a vibrant cafe and arts scene. A genuine alternative vibe. We of course have the large German double glazed windows, that hinge swing open from the side.
In Manchester we have the fireplace, old Victorian buildings with high ceilings, and of course the pub; with fireplace and old wooden furniture. We have live music, and a lively student lifestyle.
In Málaga we have roof terraces, and an outdoor lifestyle, that allows for a great community to be connected, and accidental meetings to be took advantage of. And of course the sea.
In Melbourne, we have a circular tram, and little laneways. A fun and lively city, with a laid back vibe.
How do we take the common elements, and build common utlity between them?
Would you start from scratch? Or buy a block of housing, and adapt it. To minimise commuting it seems to make sense to make them mixed utility. To have both coworking offices, with closed studios/open options, and shared community space, next to small shops for makers and locally grown produce.
In Manchester this exists in Hulme, and is a great model to work from. In Berlin many of the old blocks exist in this capactiy. In Melbourne perhaps it would be at the intersection of a couple of laneways around Flinders. In Málaga, we have the areas just outside the city centre, in the centro, perhaps with less traffic they could also be adapted.
A guide of affordable places to live, that allow for a good quality of living, considerate community, whilst allowing space for noisy fun :)
It should allow people to have a home, in multiple places. To move the minimal amount of items from A->B, to make feeling ‘at home’ wherever you are.
You should be able to leave Manchester, and go to Berlin, and onward to Málaga, and appreciate the different elements of each place, but have some commonality that allows for relaxing.
Trick to achieve. But maybe it is possible?
[END DRAFT PART 1]
