Home design in the era of self-monetization:

What is a home? A house, residence, living space, shelter … and workplace?

Humans’ relationships with their houses have changed drastically over the years due to the changes in their way of life. It started as a shelter: somewhere you felt protected. Then a home:  where you feel a sense of belonging and attachment.

Later, and due to the hectic lifestyle; home became somehow a residence, someplace you stay when are not working or in need of rest.

With the arrival of the pandemic and the imposed restrictions, humans were forced to rethink their relationship with their living spaces. Thus, the lockdown served as an involuntary user experience that unveiled the flaws and set new norms for home design.

Luckily, this rigid regime gave place to a more flexible lifestyle centered around the digital dimension of our era and people’s well-being.

In our modern times, where working from home is the new standard and self-diffusion is monetized, and is indeed a viable form of work. The house became the shelter, the residence, and the workplace. With that, architecture must adapt to ensure the application of this lifestyle in the most convenient conditions.

To ensure that, the following parameters must be calculated and improved.

Light

the abundance of light and specifically natural light is a health requirement in buildings. Also, it is a defining element of visual quality.

So designing places that are well-oriented and with the right openings’ proportions allows the reception of good amounts of light and sun rays.

Acoustics

There are various factors affecting the acoustics inside a building. They control the quality and intensity of the sounds within and affect the acoustic comfort of the space occupants.

To improve noise cancellation and other sound nuisances, it is recommended to use sound-absorbing materials and optimized isolation.

Designated work-station

One of the major concerns while working from home is to balance between work and personal life. Hence, having a designated work environment within your home allows you to focus on your tasks, be more productive, and set healthy work/life boundaries.

For a wholesome workspace, it is recommended to use ergonomic furniture and settings. The space must be technologically equipped and mentally stimulating. It also must have abundant access to light and fresh air.

Flexible interiors

Today, large space is a privilege that not everyone can attain. so thinking of other alternative ways to manage it is very important. Especially when this latter is also a workspace.

So the best strategy is to have flexible interiors using sliding walls, flexible/ removable separations, and modular furniture. A changing canvas that one can adjust to his needs and likings.

Healthy interiors

Considering the time people will be spending at home, their health and well-being are the first main interests to tackle. The fulfillment of these conditions is based on 4 principles:

• Space design
• Ergonomy
• Air quality
• Materials
  

The Covid “work from home” experience has helped declare an imperative need for healthy and technology-equipped interiors.

With the house being the new workplace, it is important that it be optimized to adapt to the changing needs of its occupiers and to ensure them a great life, work, and user experience.