Turning Spaces Between Buildings into Residential Areas

Global urbanization has led to cities experiencing excessive growth, yet this process continues to be relatively slow and housing remains insufficient for all. Prices for apartments in the heart of megacities are exorbitant, making them unattainable for the average buyer. Designers have been grappling with the housing shortage issue in major cities for years. Danish urban designer Ole Robin and Polish architect Mateusz Mastalski have stood out in this field with their project "Live between buildings," which suggests using the spaces between high-rise buildings to create new affordable housing.

The Concept Essence

The authors have already developed initial sketches of their constructions based on buildings in megacities like London, Tokyo, Amsterdam, New York, and more. In their solutions, they propose a radical rethinking of the distribution of living spaces. Instead of a horizontal layout, they advocate for maximizing vertical space in their apartments.

In the existing sketches, for example, one floor might be designated for the kitchen, the next for the bedroom, living room, etc. All connected by a standard staircase, making this project appealing to physically fit individuals capable of going up and down multiple times daily.

The creators also thought about ensuring the resident maintains their physical fitness. Special swings and even a climbing wall are installed in the apartment.

Despite initial skepticism, the authors' idea has garnered many positive reviews within the design community and even won a prestigious award from the "Journal of New European Design."

Practical Implementation

The first house in a similar style has been constructed, custom-designed for Israeli writer Etgar Keret. The building site was previously an unsightly garbage dump. The apartment's area is tailored for one person, spanning just 20.5 square meters. Designers managed to fit everything needed for the writer's normal life and work: a study, bathroom, toilet, bedroom, etc. Access to the apartment is through a special remote-controlled mobile staircase.

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