Rethink: The Way You Live

I recently purchased, read and loved Amanda Talbot's book "Rethink: The Way You Live". Not only is this book so full of glorious pictures and outstanding design that it should take the place of pride on your coffee table, but it is full of useful, innovative and important ideas and concepts. What I enjoyed most is that although the book presents a large range of big ideas on living more sustainably and changing the way we treat our homes and daily life, it never took on a "preachy" tone. 

One of my favourite spreads from Rethink via The Design Files

The above spread was one of my favourites in the book and the simple quote and idea that the way we as humans are interacting with the world is changing. This sparked particular importance for me in the way that our ideas in architecture and urban design can no longer rest on the same historical ideas but must push towards a brighter future. 

I especially relate with the idea that a single room does not need to have a defined purpose, a typical "bedroom" throughout the day can function also as an office, a living room, a meeting area, a quiet space and a range of other things so why limit it to just being "a bedroom". I think this idea, as well as the fact that we should always be growing, should also be applied to the urban realm. A park does not just have to function as a recreation and leisure area but can also be where people meet, work, meditate, etc.