LIVING WALLS

THE CONCEPT

The UN projected that 68% of the world population will be living in urban areas by 2050, how we manage personal space and co-habitate is a rising issue (UN, 2019).

Today, due to a variety of social, economic, and environmental factors, people have a greater interest in smaller living environments. In recent years, micro houses and apartments have grown in popularity as many choose to trade “living big” for minimalist and environmentally friendly living.

This new way of thinking has gained worldwide popularity in recent years, and Australia is seen to be following this trend. However, micro housing is not without its challenges.

The average Australian household built in 2018 covers 223.3 square meters, while the average micro home covers only 43 square meters.

‘How will we live in these smaller spaces?
What challenges and possibilities will this new environment provide?’

‘Living Walls’ is a space for the public to confront and explore the possibilities and challenges associated with future living.

EXPERIENCE

Living Walls invites participants to immerse themselves in a participatory installation and explore the possibilities and challenges associated with future living.

Upon entering the Living Walls space, participants step into the future.

They are tasked with designing their own micro-living environment, deciding how to place their furniture, walls, and lighting.

Participants may be forced to make some tough decisions, as their space and resources are limited.

Once the participants are happy with their living space, we then bring it to life with augmented reality.

Participants can then explore the reality of the living space they've designed.

Are they still happy with the decisions they've made?

Could they live in this micro space?

The Living Walls facilitators explore these questions with participants, and offer them the chance to alter their design after reflection.

THE FUTURE

Living Walls is a prototype experience being developed for 3 Festival, Wollongong Australia in 2020.

3 Festival will provide a platform to further explore micro living environments and expand this into thinking about cohabitation; what opportunities and challenges will these types of social and residential environment ignite?