Totems for micro-living

In Milan, MINI LIVING showed the installation MINI LIVING – BUILT BY ALL, developed in cooperation with London-based architecture firm Studiomama. Fabian Peters spoke to Oke Hauser, Creative Lead MINI LIVING, and Studiomama founder Nina Tolstrup about the project.

Fabian Peters: Can you briefly describe the project “MINI LIVING – BUILT BY ALL,” which was recently on show at the Salone del Mobile in Milan?

Oke Hauser: In this year’s installation we wanted to put people center stage in a very special way – an approach that is deeply embedded in everything MINI does. We asked ourselves: What options are open to us to exert more influence on the design of our environment, instead of simply putting furniture in rented rooms? With this question we sought to focus primarily on the individual needs of the respective residents. We wanted to enable them for the most part to freely shape the world they want to live in. The installation shows one of many outcomes from a simple toolkit we provided that enables them to turn empty urban interior spaces into fully inhabitable places based on our principle of the creative use of space. The location can be an abandoned shopping mall, an unused office level or, as here in Milan, a vacant factory hall. Yet our installation shows only a fraction of the possibilities our system enables. Each living unit consists of two elements: a modular furnishing block catering to the various residential functions – sleeping, working, storage – and a shell enclosing the space.  

The residential concepts that MINI LIVING has developed in recent years range from highly visionary approaches to a specific construction project in Shanghai. Where does the new project “MINI LIVING – BUILT BY ALL” feature in this spectrum?

Oke Hauser: In the past two years we have shown MINI LIVING installations in Milan, London and New York. Each concept highlighted a specific topic we consider relevant to building better urban futures. Naturally the individual installations have the scope to be more visionary than a building project that is subject to all the aspects and needs of home living. Some of the insights and ideas we have gained are helping to shape our co-living building in Shanghai. We believe in housing as a home, not just as a service. Even with the current trend of high global mobility among residents and temporary housing, we want to create places that truly feel that they are one’s own. Which is why we will be offering residents the option to easily customize their apartment in Shanghai.

Why did MINI LIVING opt for Studiomama as project partner?

Oke Hauser: Studiomama pursues a multidisciplinary approach, which is highly interesting for MINI. They design furniture, but simultaneously think in architectural terms. Moreover, their work is very tailored to people, is joyful and playful. Our collaboration was excellent and I think the result reflects that very well.

Nina, how did Studiomama approach the project?

Nina Tolstrup: We have in the past spent a lot of time addressing the topic of living in minimal spaces and have among other things designed three micro-houses. We were particularly taken with the holistic approach required. Speaking for myself, and this is perhaps down to my training in Denmark, where, as you know, important Modernist architects such as Arne Jacobsen created true artistic syntheses of architecture and design. I was instantly on board when Oke asked me if I wanted to work on the project. Living in London, I know how important this issue is. And on the flip side, there is so much living space that is not used efficiently. The challenge was to create small spaces that don’t feel small.