Beyond Live/ Work
It was quite an informative read about how the trend of having a work home came about in the 20th century. Chapter two highlights the boom in live/work properties famously designed by architects mostly based in USA, UK & Japan, and how they dealt with home- work life balance in their design. Japanese architects being the leader in the field. For most work homes in earlier days, basic functions such as kitchen and private living space were ignored as they were not a primary feature in the existing building. Double heighted rooms and large windows in live/work homes were a common feature.
Chapter three further elaborates on the topic and showcases more real life case studies conducted upon several subjects. All of which are from various backgrounds and professions. Through keen observation it was found by the author that there were spaces that were either 'work- dominated' or 'home- dominated' or 'equal status'. Where the first is a home with a dedicated work space/room and the latter is a workplace with an area to rest. It also touches upon public and private spaces within the workshomes and the preferences of the owners. As well as acoustics being a predominant issue among the users, and how most workhomes lack proper sound insulation. Heating during winters and overheating during summer were another issue in non- purpose built homes. "Many of the problems home-based work presents, spatially, environmentally and even socially, can be solved through design. "- Frances Hollis
My takeaway from this reading is that not much as changed in the 21st century. A lot more people have started embracing the work from home culture, specially escalated now during times of covid-19.
Two workplaces in the same room. Our bedroom has now morphed into a multipurpose room, where we work, study, pray, exercise, watch TV, play video games, sleep and occasionally eat. Pre- Covid days, it was only used as a place of rest. We have adapted ourselves to the work from home situation due to current demands. I decided to place my study table in front of the window because of the beautiful sunlight that beams though, it energizes me for the rest of the day.
Great! A nice summary and understanding of the Holliss text, Zareen. I think your point is right about people's use of work-home space under COVID conditions as being a continuation of many of the same issues. However, do you think we have less freedom to shape the spaces that we work in at the moment, if we are placed under lockdown conditions? Does this make us more or less creative in the way we use space to live and work in? interesting!
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