Common Rooms

Abstract: Sweden is the most individual society in Europe: more than half its population live alone and In Stockholm this figure is as high as 60%. As people increasingly live alone in typical apartments, the spatial requirements per person rises. Spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms and living spaces are required separately for each resident; appliances such as fridges, washing machines and hobs are owned individually. Not only is this a spatial strain, it is also an economic and environmental issue. The upkeep and production of both the spaces and their furnishings carries an ecological and financial load. In addition, each individual is burdened with the maintenance of these spaces and objects; it is an unnecessary personal labour. Common Rooms proposes to re-imagine the historically prevalent and varied typology of the residential hotel, as a solution to the spatially greedy and exclusive residences currently on offer. Many small, individual dwelling spaces with shared facilities create an economy of scale that in turn allow for common luxuries. Economic burdens are shared, time is freed, and ecological damage is limited.