This paper addresses a furniture design problem related to the limited space in small housing units in Mexico.
The study analyzes the socio-cultural furniture needs for the living spaces of Mexicans with small dwellings and offers a sustainable design solution in the furniture sector.
The main hypothesis for this project is: The use of the dining room for family gatherings is essential to sustain Mexican culture, and the functionality of the dining room for this purpose is threatened by new housing that provides a very small area for these activities.
The research is supported with on-site surveys and interviews with Mexicans living in small homes. In addition, a careful analysis is conducted of the various activities normally performed in their dining rooms.
My findings validate the main hypothesis and show evidence that (a) the number of furniture users varies on average from four people on weekdays to eight people on weekends; (b) most inhabitants have a strong preference for long-lasting furniture that reflects the cultural values of urban Mexican cities; and (c) there might be a design solution that supports and sustains Mexican culture.
8th International Conference on Design Principles and Practices
The study analyzes the socio-cultural furniture needs for the living spaces of Mexicans with small dwellings and offers a sustainable design solution in the furniture sector.
The main hypothesis for this project is: The use of the dining room for family gatherings is essential to sustain Mexican culture, and the functionality of the dining room for this purpose is threatened by new housing that provides a very small area for these activities.
The research is supported with on-site surveys and interviews with Mexicans living in small homes. In addition, a careful analysis is conducted of the various activities normally performed in their dining rooms.
My findings validate the main hypothesis and show evidence that (a) the number of furniture users varies on average from four people on weekdays to eight people on weekends; (b) most inhabitants have a strong preference for long-lasting furniture that reflects the cultural values of urban Mexican cities; and (c) there might be a design solution that supports and sustains Mexican culture.
8th International Conference on Design Principles and Practices
