LIVING

Liebe Leserinnen, liebe Leser,

Slow Living seems to be the latest living trend, at least according to trend researchers, influencers, and Instagramers. It is actually only consistent that – analogous to Slow Food – the topic of living is finally seriously discussed, reflected, and charged with concepts such as sustainability and authenticity, quality and value. The definition of the Scandinavian concept of hygge seemed too vague; after all, cosiness is something anyone can do, and it is hardly verifiable. What distinguishes Slow Living? I asked myself this question, for example, when I was walking through the exhibition halls on the occasion of imm cologne (top: at the Walter Knoll stand). Obvious characteristics are ice cream colours, natural materials, craftsmanship, and soft surfaces. Apparently only perceptible on a profound level of meaning: sustainability through beauty, outdoor is the new indoor, green always works, and modern glam through metallic! But see for yourself when you read our major follow-up report on the international furnishing fair! The latest textiles and floor coverings are a perfect match – find out what we brought along from the Heimtextil and Domotex trade fairs from page 72 onwards. However, venturing out onto the thin ice of such fashion trends is off the cards in architecture. It would mean abandoning the claim to timelessness and social relevance. The projects we have selected for this AIT issue on “Living” certainly cannot be accused of this. What they all have in common, however, is that they react to the increasing scarcity of building land and, at the same time, the increasing demand for living space. From page 84 onwards, you will therefore find numerous unusual housing solutions that have earned the title of slow – in the sense of good and sustainable: refurbishments, conversions, extensions, additional storeys, densification, new uses, Tiny Houses. In their essay “Susu Carrot” (from p. 60), our AIT columnists Dominik and Benjamin Reding have expressed in a subtle and hardly misleading way what they think about living trends. A true pleasure to read that not only makes you smile but also makes you think!

Mit besten Grüßen
Petra Stephan, Dipl.-Ing.
Chefredakteurin
Architektin