Background
What if we could save money, radically reduce our environmental impact, and have a freer, less complicated life?
Treehugger founder Graham Hill has part of the answer: we need to have less stuff and live in smaller spaces, like the 420sf (~39 m2) apartment he will renovate in 2011. With some design and technology magic, we think 420 square feet can allow for working at home, space for 2 guests to stay over, a sit-down dinner for 12, lounge space for 8, and maybe even a steam room.
So we’re asking you to redesign a small space thinking about these core ideas:
- transforming space - use one space for work, play, sleep, guests
- digitize everything - photos, books, music
- from ownership to access - think Netflix, Zipcar, Airbnb, etc.
- only the essentials - cut down on extraneous stuff, leaving only what’s really necessary
The winning concept will be used in a renovation of a 420sf apartment in New York City in mid 2011. Ideas will remain online as reference, to inspire and encourage others to rethink how they buy, rent, renovate and furnish their future properties.
