Design, space in the urban jungle

As American cities grow away from city centers and commutes get longer, many people are moving back to the city and getting creative to make use of smaller spaces.

“Many people are moving back into the cities,” says Jack McLaurin, AIA, of the Lessard Architectural Group near Washington, D.C. “Demographics have reversed; more than 50 percent of households now have no kids and need less space.”

Many moving into cities are attracted to the pedestrian-friendly nature of their new environments and the thrill of being part of a thriving diverse community. Cities often offer a broader range of economic opportunities so more people can find suitable housing. More than anything, McLaurin, notes, it’s a lifestyle choice.

Urban living demands different design elements, with city denizens often needing creativity to make use of smaller spaces than their suburban counterparts. According to Greene, builders and developers often utilize verticality and capitalize on space available.

“Urban dwellers don’t mind smaller spaces,” McLaurin states. He adds that lofts have been attractive because of their flexible nature. Many different room designs can work in flexible spaces like lofts where one living area seamlessly flows into the next.

In cities, builders and developers are making use of existing infrastructure. This could mean that an old factory becomes open and airy loft space or an older office building is renewed and turned into cozy, stylish apartments. According to Greene, these older buildings are often rewired for high-speed Internet and cable — allowing the resident the chance to create a unique work-home lifestyle in their own abode. Live-and-work capability is important to many urban buyers, Greene says.

Smaller spaces may mean getting creative when it comes to storage. Greene recommends “raised floors” for the storage. With a raised floor, part of the floor in a section is elevated like a platform high enough to include small access doors with space to store boxes, bikes, skis or just about anything the style conscious urbanite may need to hide away. Often a daybed or couch is placed on top.

Loft space in particular, according to Greene, makes people focus on sections of a home rather than a specific floor plan giving people more flexibility and letting them make their own space truly individual.

As far as kitchens are concerned, city livers are storing kitchen essentials higher than before. Cabinets are getting taller to make use of space and microwaves are often being built in to free up valuable counter space.

Often, the space over a refrigerator was used for a cabinet close to the wall which was hard to get to. Not anymore says Greene. That once unreachable cabinet is being brought to the front of the refrigerator adding another area for valuable storage. Side-by-side refrigerators also are becoming popular as they make better use of a smaller space.

When designing for the urban jungle, the sky is the limit. Open lofts and tighter apartments make use of similar design tactics. With a creative mind and an eye for design, city inhabitants are making their spaces work for them and adding individual touches in the process.

For more information on finding your own piece of an urban landscape near you, visit www.nahb.org.