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Home & Garden Articles
A Place of Retreat in the 21st Century Home
Thu 03 May 2007 - 15:19
A Place of Retreat in the 21st Century Home
By Shannon Scarlett
We live in the 21st century, and our new homes should reflect that. We have multiple computers, high definition televisions, electronic games, sophisticated audio systems, and smart technology that lets us spy on our own houses! The speed of technological growth is unprecedented, and it is continuing to grow exponentially. Such fast-paced change, though, often leaves us feeling overwhelmed and isolated.
In return, we crave relaxation and connections, we turn to yoga and meditation classes, mountain retreats, day spas and other venues that provide us with that periodic relief we crave from our high paced, high technology environment. In fact, creating venues for public meditation and retreat has become a mainstream commercial enterprise. Unfortunately, we are left with the feeling that we need to physically leave our homes or communities in order to find a state of peace, a retreat or place to recuperate. It used to be that our home was the place we found refuge, it was the place we went to rest and reinvigorate body and mind.
In order to meet needs of our current society, the new modern home must accommodate both technology and retreat. Living more simply and reconnecting with nature are a couple of the keys to regaining equilibrium over our technologically stress-filled lives. At one extreme-in reaction to technology overload-are those who decide to give up all technology, preferring a back-to-nature lifestyle off the "grid". At the other end, a more modest approach includes those who chose to simply design meaningful spaces that address both practical and expressive lifestyle demands, merge with nature and incorporate technology judiciously as an accessory that enhances rather than dominates the home experience.
The size of a home should be determined by family size and lifestyle rather than as a display personal wealth or success. While there is nothing inherently wrong with a big house complete with high technology and power-driven toys, the important thing is to decide whether these things actually bring true joy and comfort into our everyday lives-or simply add to our stress and seclusion. When extra space, custom amenities and the latest technology are central to our amusement, relaxation and rejuvenation, then we should feel free to enjoy them!
If, on the other hand, we need a connection with nature and change of the seasons to refresh, the size of our house should be irrelevant. When we begin to notice the ways a room embraces its surroundings-the way it captures the changing light and breezes, and creates a microcosm of nature through use of materials and geometry-house size and amenities assume a secondary role in our daily experiences.
Retreat and revitalization are key requirements of a home, yet our interpretation of what is needed to achieve this state is completely personal. The resale rules advocated by many developers and realtors thwart any alternative to the "build big, build high-tech" philosophy that has driven the housing market for at least two decades. The one-size-fits-all approach to American housing is not meeting our primal need to return to the cave-a place where private sanctuary, physical security, and emotional bonds come together to make a home.
Shannon Taylor Scarlett Shannon Taylor Scarlett Architects Wellesley MA 781-431-1690 http://www.scarlettarchitects.com
Ms. Scarlett is a registered architect, located in Wellesley Massachusetts, with over twenty-three years of architectural experience, sixteen of which have been focused on residential projects. Her residential experience ranges from small renovations to new homes and major additions. For additional information, or for a copy the e-book BEFORE YOU BUILD, go to http://www.scarlettarchitects.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shannon_Scarlett
http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Place-of-Retreat-in-the-21st-Century-Home&id=546951
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