The ingenuity required to do more with less has always fascinated me, even as a child.
In simple terms, it’s more of a challenge than the alternative of having unlimited boundaries whatever they may be.
This would appear to be on the surface a contradiction to the majority of theoretical and philosophical subjects that also fascinate me as potential expansions of certain self imposed boundaries but that contradiction in of itself is a part of what makes me tick.
I have acquaintances, for example, that tinker with clockwork mechanisms to expand their capabilities whether they are used to create automaton devices or synchronizing triple springs to store more energy...that sort of thing.
This documentary you may or may not find fascinating as I did, but I am posting it for those who may find the ingenuity of young people who are also very thoughtful ..who have come up with what is called “the tiny house movement” an interesting subject .. as an alternative to our mindless corporate media fodder.
If you have an interest in the philosophy of architecture as an art form welded with craftsmanship, it might also be interesting..a change of pace that I am experimenting with to expand the scope of this blog.
For what it's worth.
I just got a book about small houses, titled "The Small House Book," appropriately enough, by Jay Shafer. It's about 200 pages, full color illustrations/photos, has a large portfolio of small houses, how to build one, the esthetics, etc. This 6"x 6" little book, however, goes for the hefty price of $36.95!
ReplyDeleteBut, if you're into small houses, this is the book to get.
See also: www.tumbleweedhouses.com
Steve
ReplyDeleteWhen I first viewed this documentary I was struck by not only the minimalist philosophy behind it ( that reminded me of the Japanese philosophy of architecture ) but the quality of the creativity. It was humorous though to see the folks cram everything into every nook and cranny while saying they had simplified their lifestyle. That redesign of a European garage was unlike anything I had seen before. I wonder how theft proof it is. At one time I bought plans for a 19th Century "Shotgun": house thinking it was in the same vein, but my wife objected. I guess what is practical depends on who is looking.
As a young single man I lived for a couple of years on a 36 foot sailboat and in addition to being tight it was kind of damp. Still an experience in minimalist living. Now, with the children grown and gone, my wife and I still keep this elephant we live in now so that when the kids come home life bears some resemblance to days gone by. Stupid I know, but there it is a fantasy land eating up energy and resources everyday. On a brighter note, I'd love to see some pictures of the toys you restore.
ReplyDeleteMichael
DeleteI have a pet elephant as well ( the 500 pound elephant in the room?) I am watching the clock roll over as in three years time, it will be jettisoned. Right now we are boarding our three horses and the plan is to buy a very small ranch house with land for them as well as for the two cats and four dogs. Somewhere fairly remote between West Virginia and NC. Neither my wife nor myself are fond of suburbia or urban living..but the kids had their needs which came first back in the day.
As soon as I figure out how to transfer the photos I will do a post. I just finished a two year restoration on a piece that like the others, fascinates me as an example of doing more with less in a ingenious way.