As a rule, living in a city means existing and living with other people in the smallest of spaces: neighbourhoods, rooms with a view, architecture in the form of old buildings, streets and squares. People who live in cities are often forced to adapt and, in many cases, they have to compromise on what is available in terms of space and configuration. In the urban context, on the other hand, the need for individual expression and self-fulfilment within the apartment is paramount. Urban living is an integral part of urban cultural life, since it is – in common with fashion – a creative way to set oneself apart while at the same time participating in social discourse. People living in cities usually place less value on opulent luxury, preferring to make a statement of their personal taste. For this they need to have ideas, because a surfeit of space is rarely available. However, the urban context, which developed as a growing organism out of the chaos principle, always has room for diversity and individuality.

 

The contemporary culture of urban living is characterised by the modern ideal of the loft – those hall-like storage spaces in New York and London which were converted into studios and flats and became synonymous with creative living during the second half of the 20th century. The space itself – a rarity in the city – defines its value. The open way of living has also been recreated in small flats, where for example the living room and the kitchen are combined or where the transit areas such as the corridor are minimised by linking the living room with the bathroom, or the bedroom with the bathroom. Urban luxury today is about the aesthetic of simple forms which give an impression of openness and lightness despite the limited space. The chaotic interior of cupboards, computers and household appliances is hidden behind and under the smooth surfaces. The iPod – slim and narrow – only uses a simple disc element or a touch screen to operate. A fitting, which emerges modestly from the wall, thus saving space and creating an optical calmness, still has a dynamic presence through its design details. This kind of furnishing allows the space to work, creates a feeling of freedom and generosity and directs one’s view to the pulsating city and diversity of life beyond the window.

 

Complex items need simple shapes – that is the simple aesthetic conclusion of a technological society, which has learnt to concentrate on the important things: quality of life, freedom, comfort and the quality of the product. The product has to serve the people and not the other way round. Where there is no space to flaunt, a culture of subtle design develops which expresses a lot with little. The few items which dominate the space in an apartment have to be high-quality and significant. And all things that can slim down or can be built into the wall are designed to intrude as little as possible. Creative features intended as deliberately articulated statements gain in importance set against this smooth background. In such an environment nothing is left to chance, not even the clutter which affords a personal touch to one shelf or another.         
 
Frank A. Reinhardt - FAR_consulting