Architect Gary Chang’s compact high-rise apartment is an example of very modern and minimalist approach to interior design. By necessity, especially in places like Hong Kong, people need to make the most of very little space. In the video, it is mentioned that Chang’s bachelorhood is a “common problem” in Hong Kong, leading him to focus on practicality and his own needs as opposed to the needs of a family.
The focus of the apartment is a series of sliding walls and compartments that move and open to create 24 different rooms, converting the same space for different purposes. This design is the pioneering example of the ‘microapartment,’ a concept that expands the idea of the British bedsit to create the most utility out of a minimum of space.
Many minimalist techniques are used to create the most efficient use of space in Gary’s household. Furniture and counters are very simple and rectangular/square in shape, with few embellishments that might sacrifice space.
These kinds of techniques are very effective for people living in urban areas, who might wish to take advantage of low rent for square footage of space, and also allows developers to maximize profits by creating more accommodations given the space they have. At the same time, it does further emphasize the lack of need for individuals to have as much physical space as opposed to simply maximizing a smaller amount of space, thus creating ideological implications for the amount of space humans really need, and the quality of life of having more utilitarian, effective spaces with little room for embellishment and personalization.
