A lot of energy is used to meet the increasing demand for living space. Larger living spaces require more building materials and more energy for heating and lighting. Turning away from this development requires concepts that influence our built environment and are therefore aesthetically perceptible.
Individual space requirements have increased in recent decades. Since 1970 in Germany, per capita requirements for living space have actually doubled. Although better building standards require less heating energy, the total demand for heating remains the same due to the increased space requirements. It is clear that building insulation is important, but is not enough on its own.
The demand that people should not live so wastefully and should make do with less is correct, but in my view it is not expedient. We would be better off developing concepts that make a positive contribution without pointing fingers. With my art, I want to create symbols that accompany this positive change.
REDUCTION TO THE ESSENTIALS
There are already approaches that meet this challenge. However, while I am repeatedly disillusioned by the handling of apartment exchange offers on the usual housing platforms, I would like to see offers for forms of living with sharing concepts at all.The home office options established by Covid19 are positive and show that we can react flexibly to space offers. In addition to the individual quality that is gained for each person, the increasing number of vacant offices creates space potential. By implementing shared space concepts, the need for office space is reduced and space can be created for urgently needed living space. Office floors that are unsuitable for traditional apartment layouts can be converted into residential forms with sharing concepts.
Of course, every individual can also contribute to reducing space consumption. Minimalism and a focus on the essentials can be a desirable way of living. I'm not excluding myself when I say that you should really ask yourself whether you can get by with fewer items in your household. I had to move out of my apartment for two months at very short notice due to water damage. This made me realize how little I need in my everyday life from what I have at home.
EFFECTS ON THE PERCEPTION OF ARCHITECTURE
These approaches influence the perception of architecture and change the aesthetic perception. Minimally furnished living spaces are initially only visible to the visitor. Shared space concepts in offices, on the other hand, reach a larger number of people and ensure tidy, flexible spaces.
The success of these concepts requires a reduction to the essentials. In terms of personal action, however, it also requires the reduction of individual interests with the intention of contributing to the common good.
TRANSFER TO ART OBJECTS
The principles of these concepts are reflected in my art objects. Few surfaces and colors create tension in the composition. The reduced design focuses on the interplay of the individual parts. Each part is necessary and removing one part would significantly reduce the creative power. Reduction to the essentials is therefore an important factor in my artistic work.
Detachable connections allow flexibility and adaptation to the environment. Unlike traditional works of art, which are made "for eternity", the focus here is on togetherness and not on so-called individual "genius". It is not always easy for me to take away the finite nature of art objects and instead pursue an open concept. However, I am firmly convinced that only by strengthening the community can things be changed in a positive way.
These approaches and art objects require a rethink and a new perception of our built environment and our approach to space. They offer solutions that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also functional and community-enhancing. I am interested in your opinion, so please leave a comment here.
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