Living in a small flat, hosting big gatherings often feels like a logistical nightmare. If you’re constantly dodging furniture and running out of storage, the idea of designing for community might sound... well, absurd.
"I am because we are"? More like "I am because I have nowhere to escape."
That was my mindset when I began exploring cultural philosophies for small-space design. Japanese Ma teaches intentional minimalism. Scandinavian Hygge offers cosy warmth. French L’Art de Vivre brings curated sophistication. And British design? It’s all about comfort.
These perspectives help us make the most of limited space.
But what about philosophies that celebrate connection and shared living, such as the Italian La Dolce Vita or Africa’s Ubuntu? At first glance, they seem like terrible advice for tiny homes.
But working on this series has made me realise that our obsession with privacy and individual space can make our environments feel smaller, more isolated, and stressful to live in.
Today, we'll explore why Ubuntu's "I am because we are" philosophy can help transform any small home into a spacious and welcoming environment.
Here's what you'll learn:
Why our privacy obsession actually makes small spaces feel smaller.
How Ubuntu transforms cramped areas into surprisingly spacious gathering places.
The counterintuitive ways community design creates more personal time (not less).
Why flexible, multi-purpose design beats dedicated single-use spaces every time.
How to implement Ubuntu principles without turning your home into Grand Central Station.
Let's dive in.