Why adaptable living systems are the need of the hour

An average urban consumer’s purpose or role is hardly ever isolated towards one activity – she runs a successful textile firm and is also a mum who home schools her kids; he is a diligent marketing manager, but grows a herb garden too. With limited land being taken over by a booming populace, the buzzwords now are “compact” and “multitasking”. So how can designers integrate both effectively in their works?

Every product and space needs to have multiple uses. Today’s living and design movement calls for versatile environments. But, how do you make sleek forms for such environs without undermining functionality? In an era of interchangeable areas, the norm must be activity based ecosystems. Space saving becomes crucial – tables with built-in storage and cabinets that fit in beds are the need of the hour.

In cities where space is a constraint, homes of multiskilled people call for rooms with dual uses – a living cum dining alcove or a library that is also an office. Foldable, portable and flat pack pieces are already mainstream. And as streamlined forms gain greater acceptance, we can hope to see further headway in adaptable furniture as well in the future.

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