Private Infinity: CASACOR 2022 theme reflects on houses with history

An article published in The New York Times on January 15 of this year attempts to unravel the fascination caused by the photo of a library that, every now and then, appears on social media and triggers a flood of enthusiastic comments and reposts . The text explains that the environment It no longer exists — it was dismantled after the death of its owner, the American professor of comparative literature Richard Macksey, in 2019. However, its charm remains: double-height ceilings, shelves packed from top to bottom, piles of volumes on the floor . Why did the image go viral? Because it shows a place that is well-lived and full of history , and spaces like this work as an antidote to the uncertainties of today's times. After two years of the Covid-19 pandemic, the feeling of exhaustion is widespread . In addition, humanity faces other problems of gigantic proportions, such as climate change, the financial crisis, social and racial inequality and conflicts such as the World War. Ukraine, caused by the redrawing of the balance of power in international politics. When the outside world presents such immense challenges, it is natural to seek refuge in domestic life . Symbolic values associated with the home, such as protection, stability, tranquility and well-being, gain even greater more relevance. The need to give shape to our particular infinity grows — a shelter for memories, passions and pleasures. Janss House Dan Brunn Architecture – Brandon Shigeta. The house, which became a landmark in Los Angeles in the 1970s and 80s, was renovated by Dan Brunn, recognized for his minimalist style.

The private infinity, therefore, represents a biographical refuge — a collection of memories and a safe haven for the residents . In the hyperdigital age, however, the expression takes on another layer of meaning: homes today unfold into countless functions and possibilities. “ The screen has become a home environment : a portal to access work meetings, exercise classes, medical appointments, financial services and cultural options”, says Barão di Sarno, designer and founding partner of the innovation consultancy Questtonó. At the beginning of the pandemic, the phenomenon happened for safety reasons. “Throughout social isolation, this behavior has become consolidated and residents now want to maintain it for the sake of convenience ,” says Luiza Loyola, futures expert at WGSN, a global trend research company. According to research carried out in 2021 by the Ernst & Young agency in several countries, 63% of those interviewed already classify the digital habits acquired during the lockdown as normal. While the virtual universe has expanded, the physical circulation space has shrunk. “With the restrictions on travel, the movement to rediscover the city has gained strength. There has been an appreciation of collective outdoor areas and local commerce,” explains Maurício Medeiros, architect , innovation consultant and professor of socio-cultural trends at IED-SP. The logic of strengthening community microcosms is at the origin of the concept of “ 15-minute city ”, created by the Franco-Colombian thinker Carlos Moreno, professor at the University of Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne. According to this proposal, the urban fabric should be planned in such a way that residents can find their home, school, work, shopping, services and leisure within a 15-minute distance. The idea aims to combat climate change: the fewer commutes, the less carbon emissions. Sure, it involves giving up comforts. But in the last two years, humans have discovered that they can adapt to a new lifestyle quickly when survival is at stake .