Very exciting graphic today. I'm trying to organize my thoughts for a competition on residential housing--a subject that I like to claim that I know a lot about, but I've really never put to the test. One subject for consideration is the idea of multi-generational housing models--i.e. a situation where a related family occupies one architectural complex. This is hardly a new idea, nor is it a prevalent circumstance in the American housing market (roughly 5 million households--or less than 8% of all dwelling units). Anything that challenges the model of the nuclear family is worth exploring. The standard minimum program for the "American" house is 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, kitchen, living room and dining area, with an attached 2 car garage. Anything less results in a real estate discount, anything more reflects a premium which is not always proportional to the costs associated with expanding the physical plant of the house.
Although the nuclear family house reflects an aspirational paradigm of the happy couple with two children and a dog and cat, the reality of this family dynamic is improved by having a minimum of 4 bedrooms so that in-laws can stay over more frequently to help with child-rearing.
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