When it comes to housing concepts, surely 'Tubular Living' by the People's Architecture Office (PAO) has got to be one of the more extreme versions of minimalism. Designed by the firm as a way to transform ventilation shafts into modular housing, the 'Tubular Living' project saves space but places inhabitants in exceedingly cramped quarters.
Three different installations of the 'Tubular Living' housing concept were created to be placed in department stores in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.
Although the idea of 'Tubular Living' seems out there, the rising population of humans mixed with decreasing urban space could lead to a similar concept being created. The 'Tubular Living' project was commissioned by retail brand Lane Crawford in celebration of 165 years in business.
Ventilation Shaft Housing Concepts
'Tubular Living' by PAO Sees a Home Crafted from Air Ducts
Trend Themes
1. Modular Housing - The concept of modular housing using unconventional structures like ventilation shafts could disrupt the housing industry by providing more affordable and space-saving options for urban living.
2. Alternative Living Spaces - The rising costs of urban living and decreasing available space could lead to a trend in innovative and alternative living spaces like the 'Tubular Living' concept.
3. Extreme Minimalism - The idea of extreme minimalism that focuses on the most basic needs of inhabitants can be a disruptive innovation opportunity for designers and architects to create more compact and efficient living spaces.
Industry Implications
1. Housing - The 'Tubular Living' concept can disrupt the traditional housing industry by offering a new housing option for urban dwellers with limited space and budgets.
2. Retail - Retail brands like Lane Crawford could continue to commission unconventional housing concepts as a way to promote their business and celebrate milestones.
3. Architecture and Design - Architects and designers can find disruptive innovation opportunities in creating unconventional and sustainable housing solutions to address the challenges of overcrowding and limited urban space.