Many citizens of this wonderful city rebel against the idea of living in a block of flats.
The romantic thought of owning a house with a garden is very seductive for many, a dream for an important part of the population that reflects their dignity, achievement in life and their position in society.
This idea has been rooted in the mind of the British people for a long time and it was summarized very well in 1628 with the expression “For a man’s house is his castle and each man’s home is his safes refuge”.
Our city has changed dramatically since then but this say remains in our subconscious mine as one of the ideas we need to make real in our life time.
But the reality is that this appreciation of home cannot be sustained for long and for everybody in a city like London.
Vertical developments are necessary and a wonderful solution when designed properly.
So the idea of home associated with a “house” is not anymore exclusive.
Home is a place where you are at ease, where you sleep, where you return to for finding yourself and those that you love and share your life with.
From this perspective that idea of home is at the core of our sense of stability, belonging, harmony and balance, it is our anchor.
When living in developments this sense of belonging is extended, should be extended to the public areas of the building: corridors, communal spaces, halls and of course the reception area.
A group of individuals that live in a development acquire automatically the level of being a community that happens “shares” a same roof.
It is the pride, love and appreciation shown in the care and looks of those communal areas that serve as an expression of up to what extend those individuals have developed a sense of ownership and belonging in reference to their building.
And making it beautiful and enjoyable for all should be a must in every tall building.
The reception room is one of the most important spaces in a block of flats as it is the space that greets you, it is the first area where when you arrive you feel already at home, safe and protected.
At that moment you realize: Your home has grown.
All those thoughts came to my mind when I was given the opportunity to redesign one of those reception areas that have been left untouched for probably too long.
The process is just starting but certainly it is a beautiful opportunity to design this important room for the residents of this building, understanding who they are and aiming to transfer part of that to the beauty of the space certainly is inspiring and motivating.
I’m looking forward to share the outcome of it with you soon.
