Settling

Submitted by Pidgin on Sun, 05/08/2011 - 00:09
in, down, and just plain settling
Everyone is getting married.  Friends, friends of friends, and those people facebook recommends that you be friends with... all of them are posting pictures of engagement rings, bridesmaids, and new houses.
 
In a loose sort of way, the feelings that these engagements are stirring up in me are not unlike the feelings that this class has provoked. That is, in a long-term decision like a life partner or a place to live, what are my values? What couldn't I do without? What don't I want?
 
Since the first post, I've made several lists of characteristics that are important to my future home. Some of the characteristics are highly unrealistic--it's a list of ideals, not of practicality--and they're in no particular order. The current iteration looks a little like this:
 
1. LOCAL- All materials should come from the shortest distance possible. As much as possible should be salvaged wood.
 
2. I want a bay window big enough to sleep in on the south side of the house.
 
3. USE OF SPACE should be conservative. The smaller the house to meet my needs, the better. Spaciousness is still important, but in moderation. 
 
3.5. Height can imply spaciousness, and so can large windows.
 
4. BUILT TO LAST- Tha design and building of my house should be a contstant balance of personal and eternal. It should stand the test of time both physically and aesthetically such that my grandchildren can live in it if they like. 
 
5. SIMPLE- This one is difficult to elaborate on. The house's beauty should be simple and elegant rather than state-of-the-art or flashy. Understatedly attractive trumps awe-inspiring. It will be a home first and a piece of art second, stunning and grand only when function and comfort allow.
 
6. The shower needs to have multiple showerheads that can point in several directions. 
 
7. RESPONSIBLE, both ecologically and economically. Whenever possible, it should heat and cool itself, and provide natural light. 
 
8. URBAN- I don't want to have to own a car, so I've got to live somewhere with excellent public transportation or a whole lot within walking distance.
 
9. PUBLIC SPACE- I don't want to have a backyard, so living somewhere with good public spaces is key. A community garden would be great, too.
 
10. I have to have my own room. Maybe it's an office, or a den, or a dressing room, or whatever. The point is that it's mine and only mine. My partner should have one, too.
 
11. HUGE CLOSET.
 
 
The list is constantly evolving, and I'm sure some of these will fade as other things become more important. Looking through, I see Tuan and Kunstler and Pollan along with a whole lot of me. 
(Image Source)
Ivy's picture

My boyfriend and I were

Submitted by Ivy on Mon, 05/09/2011 - 11:41.
My boyfriend and I were talking the other day about what we would have in our apartments if money were no object. I made a list similar to this one and drew up some fanciful plans of my dream apartment. Then I compared this to the space I was in at the time - my windowless living room - and started asking why we settle for paying SO much money for SO little in New York City? While I hope that my current living conditions are short term, I also realize that I plan to live in New York for the rest of my life  - will I always  compromise my personal intimate spaces for my larger urban home?