Housing That Breathes
The shape of a building decides whether neighbors meet or simply pass each other in the hall.
Housing is often evaluated by unit count and floor area, but the shape of a building shapes daily life. A courtyard, a wide balcony, or a shared roof can turn a collection of apartments into a place where people recognize one another. These spaces are not luxuries; they are the infrastructure of neighborliness.
Good shared space also has to be easy to use. A roof garden with no shade or seating is a nice idea on paper. A courtyard that is visible from many windows is safer and more likely to be maintained. The details of access, light, and upkeep decide whether a shared space becomes part of the neighborhood or remains a decoration.