Spatial Sufficiency / Living Lab
Sufficiency as a Core Principle of Sustainable Planning
Sufficiency represents a strategy for reducing resource consumption by curbing the demand for goods and services. We consider that sufficiency is one of the most important strategies for reducing the CO2 emissions of the construction industry. It can be broadly understood as a reduction in built space. It entails a rational, and in some cases, voluntary self-restraint.
The flotilla sailed under a shared flag, symbolizing the collaborative spirit of the excursion. Photograph: Moritz Baur
But who finds it easy to act rationally? Who willingly limits themselves when such limitations are perceived as sacrifice? We are shaped by a growth-oriented society, where an increase in space is often viewed positively and associated with higher social status.
"The Status Quo" – Analysis of One's Own Living Situation and Evaluation of Usage Intensity
Integrating the concept of sufficiency into architectural education presents a unique challenge. How do you teach someone the importance of building as little as possible while aiming to teach them how to design and construct?
The objective of this seminar, held within the Department of Design and Sustainable Construction (ENB) at the Technical University of Darmstadt, was to reflect on key questions: Which spatial configurations are perceived as sacrifices, and what forms of "comfort" are indispensable for individuals? Which conventional planning practices can be critically questioned?
Originally planned route (gray) and actual sailed route (red) in the southern Adriatic.
Following the principle of the German phrase "Probieren geht über Studieren," the theoretical exploration was complemented by a practical excursion. Participants had the opportunity to experience firsthand what it means to live in limited space with minimal privacy during a week-long sailing trip. The confined and constantly moving space of a sailing yacht provided the perfect setting for this living lab.
The team from the Department ENB was traveling with a group of 20 students on three sailing yachts in September/October 2024.
Graphical documentation of the yachts as preparation for the subsequent spatial analysis, created by the participating subjects during the Living Lab.
Group photo of all participants on site of “Dječije lječilište Krvavica”.
City walk through "Split III" with Višnja Kukoč.