Considerations for a Live/Work Lifestyle
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With the onset of the Industrial Revolution, local governments began to implement strict zoning laws that separated living and working spaces. This fundamentally changed how society developed as more and more people commuted to their work. Today, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it is clear that the way in which we occupy our spaces must be re-envisioned, as many find them-selves working from home.
For Residents, opportunities include improved work/life balance, reduced commuting times and costs, more equitably shared household tasks, and the flexibility to be at home during business hours.
For Building Owners, renovations can be an opportunity to attract new tenants looking for contemporary amenities.
For Developers of new properties, examining and implementing live/work options can add value to the unit types and round out your offering.
Katz Architecture explored what a prototype for a new live/work unit could look like, designing a building that includes ground floor storefronts, apartments and separate offices for residents. The apartments are all duplex units with a flex-space located either below or above the main floor. They all face the rear of the building and can be used as in-home offices or additional apart-ment floor space. Independent offices, situated at the front of the building may be used either by the building inhabitants, or by people not living in the building. To support a strong community within the building, the roof deck recreation space may be used both by residents and commercial tenants of the building.
