The Politics of Balconies in Affordable Housing
A German opinion piece argues that eliminating balconies from low-cost housing is an arrogant decision that disregards the everyday happiness they provide. The text notes that balconies are spaces where public figures like royalty, the pope, and FC Bayern appear, but for many people they represent a small but significant piece of daily joy. The critique targets the trend in budget housing construction to omit balconies as a cost-saving measure, calling it 'dreist' (audacious). The article is published in Süddeutsche Zeitung and reflects on the cultural and social value of balconies beyond their architectural function.
Key facts
- Balconies are being eliminated from low-cost housing projects.
- The article describes balconies as providing 'a small big everyday happiness'.
- Public figures such as royalty, the pope, and FC Bayern are mentioned as appearing on balconies.
- The German word 'dreist' is used to characterize the decision to omit balconies.
- The opinion piece is published by Süddeutsche Zeitung.
- The article criticizes the trend in affordable housing construction.
- Balconies are framed as having cultural and social significance.
- The piece is an opinion-review on architecture and housing policy.
Entities
Institutions
- Süddeutsche Zeitung
- FC Bayern
Locations
- Germany