Architecture
Evolution of House
Housing has definitely changed since last 200 years. Availability of governmental incentives, family size, and a general rise in living standards are a few of the factors that have played a role in the evolution of our homes. These changes have, in turn, changed and shaped family and social relationships and they are choosing to downsize the space they live in.
During the 19th century, there are small row houses went up in great numbers in the first half of the century. The average urban row house was narrow, usually only 15-20 feet across, and extending back for 30-40 feet. With mounting pressure for effective land utilization, row houses became more narrow and deeper over time. For example, two 25 foot lots were divided into three.Lot sizes started to grow after the turn of the century. Early 20th century bungalows were one-storey or storey of between 600 and 800 square feet. Bungalows in the 1940s had lots measuring 60 by 100 feet. The electricity and central heating were the issue that altered floor plans and furniture placement. The physical size of homes continued to grow, as household size was shrinking. Due to the abundance of cheap land in the country, small house was on the decline throughout most of the century.
Room space + less people = more privacy.
Since the 1960s, the number of larger homes has increased, while the average number of household residents has decreased quite dramatically. The children commonly have a bedroom each. Homes are divided into a many of private zones for individual use, and as family members, we share fewer activities. The average new house has expanded in size from about 1500 square feet in the mid-70s to over 2000. People want more space therefore the size of average lots are decreasing and the size of home is increasing.
Although homes have grown in size, lot sizes have begun to significantly decrease in size.
People are maximizing every inch of their house lot as resulted by rising land prices and bigger-is-better approach. Smaller homes are less expensive than the larger ones in terms of taxes and building, heating, maintenance, and repair costs. The lower cost of living may be advantageous to those 55 and older with little savings. In addition to costing less, small houses may encourage a less cluttered and simpler lifestyle and reduce ecological impacts for their residents. The typical size of a small home seldom exceeds 500 square feet (46 m2). Small houses may emphasize design over size, utilize dual purpose features and multi-functional furniture, and incorporate technological advances of space saving equipment and appliances. Vertical space optimization is also a common feature of small houses and apartments.
It comes as no surprise that houses have grown in size and cost over the years. At the beginning of the last century, the average home was 700 to 1200 square feet. In 1950, the average home was 1000 square feet, growing to an average size of 2000 square feet in 2000. To know what will happen to housing in the next 300 years is difficult because we just don't know how technology, culture, environmental changes, and social relationships will evolve and change how we use our homes. One thing is certain is that the limitation of creativity. We will tend to design smaller building in order to fulfill the market need. Don’t let the world shape us, we shape the world. But this is just my take. Time will tell.
"spaces in the home have changed over time, and family and social relationships have shaped, and been shaped by these changing spaces."
