Zhang Qi, a 25-year-old has taken up residence in a 21-square-foot capsule apartment to save on rent in order to help her family. Beijing's capsule apartments were designed and built by a 72-year-old retired engineer and rent for less than a third of the standard Beijing apartment.
Zhang's primary objection to Beijing's capsule apartments is the fact that the toilet and shower are on a different floor of the complex. She is the first occupant of this smaller-than-a-jail-cell housing, but thinks that the apartments will appeal to other young people who want independence on a budget.
21-Square-Foot Homes
Beijing's Capsule Apartments Rent for Less Than $35 Per Month
Trend Themes
1. Capsule Living - The trend of small, compact living spaces such as capsule apartments provides affordable housing options for individuals on a budget.
2. Micro-housing - Micro-housing, like 21-square-foot apartments, caters to the needs of individuals seeking minimalistic, efficient living spaces.
3. Affordable Housing - The concept of capsule apartments highlights the growing demand for affordable housing solutions in overcrowded cities.
Industry Implications
1. Real Estate - The real estate industry can explore opportunities to develop and market small-scale, cost-effective housing options like capsule apartments.
2. Architecture and Design - Architects and designers can embrace innovative approaches to create functional and space-efficient micro-housing solutions.
3. Construction - The construction industry can capitalize on the demand for compact living spaces by developing efficient building techniques for micro-housing projects.