Comments on: 100 sq ft living in Hong Kong: can pictures cultivate empathy?

By: Lynn

Lynn — Fri, 26 May 2006 17:00:37 +0000

I was absolutely fascinated by Tumbleweed houses which are standalone (and possibly mobile) houses that start in the same general size range as the apartments.

http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com

My husband was less impressed, and I’m not sure that the sleeping lofts are feasible for elderly people. But they are interesting.

By: Demas

Demas — Thu, 25 May 2006 14:06:33 +0000

As far as I can tell, people’s personal space and belongings expand to fill the available space :) That is, it is quite possible to live in a very small space if you always have (but maybe harder to go from a large house/flat into a smaller one!)

Maybe there is also a difference in how you use your home - with limited space (and in a large and vibrant city like Hong Kong) there is less of a ‘home is my castle - all my life and entertainment is here’ attitude.

By: Scott Wells

Scott Wells — Wed, 24 May 2006 03:22:34 +0000

I agree, and hope I didn’t give the impression — possible, having re-read my words — that one should be depressed or awe-struck by these residents’ housing. Apart from the appeal to universal dignity, there is also the reality that people have a remarkable ability to make do. This, perhaps more than anything, was what attracted me to these photos, and by the diversity of responses which give the personal expression I described above. A diversity made more plain by the uniform and concentrated spaces.

That said Demas, does your partner have any insights into the life skills one learns in compact living? Sustainable life skills gained and lost are also dear to me. (We may really need those skills one day.)

By: Demas

Demas — Wed, 24 May 2006 02:20:30 +0000

My partner’s grandfather lives in Hong Kong. He is a retired hairdresser and his apartment is bigger than these ones; but not by all that much.

I am neither depressed nor awestruck; and I am not sure that these residents would welcome either response. Like all people everywhere, they have their pride; we should be greatful that they have let us into their lives and respectful of their dignity.