1/9/2020 Size DOES matter: 'micro-apartments' may be linked to psychological problems, as well as DOMESTIC VIOLENCE and SUBSTANCE AB…

MORE STORIES

Size DOES matter: 'Micro-apartments' linked to psychological

problems, domestic violence and drug abuse
By Zoe Szathmary
00:55 22 Dec 2013, updated 02:48 22 Dec 2013

0
shares

153 comments

Latest From MailOnline

The Queen 'is disappointed' at Harry and Meghan's decision to quit: Palace says talks at 'an
early stage' over couple 'stepping back' - amid claims they did NOT tell Her Majesty before
announcement

Can 'definitely be unhealthy' for people in their 30s and 40s

Harry and Meghan's Royal romance: From a star-studded wedding and the birth of Archie to a

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2527776/amp/Size-DOES-matter-micro-apartments-linked-psychological-problems-DOMESTIC-VIOLENCE-… 1/11
1/9/2020 Size DOES matter: 'micro-apartments' may be linked to psychological problems, as well as DOMESTIC VIOLENCE and SUBSTANCE AB…

'rift' with Prince William

Crowding-relating stress,and
likecontroversy overmay
the type that their bid
be to 'modernise'
caused fromthe monarchy
living in small apartments,
can increase rates of domestic violence and substance abuse

Children in small units can be 'withdrawn,' have trouble concentrating

Micro-units may actually DRIVE UP prices...meaning renters spend the same money on
studios they would have spent on a bigger place

A housing shortage in New York has spurred a 'micro-apartment' development project -- but experts
warn that these tiny apartments may be linked to psychological issues for their tenants.

The backlash is in response to Mayor Michael Bloomberg's 2012 real estate competition to build a
residence building of mico-units on East 27th Street, The Atlantic reports. The apartments would be
between 250 and 370 square feet.

Dak Kopec, director of design of human health at Boston Architectural College said the micro-
apartments 'can definitely be unhealthy for older people, say in their 30s or 40s, who face different
stress factors that make tight living conditions a problem.'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2527776/amp/Size-DOES-matter-micro-apartments-linked-psychological-problems-DOMESTIC-VIOLENCE-… 2/11
1/9/2020 Size DOES matter: 'micro-apartments' may be linked to psychological problems, as well as DOMESTIC VIOLENCE and SUBSTANCE AB…

Living in tight quarters, like the tiny apartment seen in this file photo, may be linked to crowding-related stress.

This type of stress can also be tied to increased rates of domestic violence and substance abuse

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2527776/amp/Size-DOES-matter-micro-apartments-linked-psychological-problems-DOMESTIC-VIOLENCE-… 3/11
1/9/2020 Size DOES matter: 'micro-apartments' may be linked to psychological problems, as well as DOMESTIC VIOLENCE and SUBSTANCE AB…

While micro-apartments may be suitable for young adults, like the ones seen in this file photo, they 'can

definitely be unhealthy' for people in their 30s or 40s

Kopec added that crowding-related stress, like the type that may be caused from living in small
apartments, can increase rates of domestic violence and substance abuse.

Another problem with micro-apartments, Kopec said, was that because of their compact design,
residents have to rearrange living quarters all day long. He warned The Atlantic that residents might
eventually stop arranging furniture, causing apartments to be even more crowded.

Kopec, along with Susan Saegert, a CUNY professor of environmental psychology, told The Atlantic
that small apartments may be good for residents in early adulthood.

0
shares

RELATED ARTICLES

The unvarnished truth: The quest for beautiful nails could leave you with infections and allergies.
Here is how to keep your fancy manicure healthy

Forget a panic room - lets do an entire HOUSE! See inside the nuke-proof doomsday bunker built
to look like an average family home ... and now on the market for $11.5M

Saegert, however, says that small apartments may have devastating long-term psychological effects.

'I've studied children in crowded apartments and low-income housing a lot,' Saegert told the websit
and 'they can end up being withdrawn, and have trouble studying and concentrating.'

Micro-apartments also end up hitting renters' wallets hard. Saegert says they increase the amount of
money per square foot that developers get on property investments, meaning renters may pay the
same price for studios that they would have spent on larger spaces.

New York City Planning Commissioner Amanda Burden called the soon-to-be-built tower 'a tangible
new housing option, which has the potential to broaden housing choices for New Yorkers,' The
Observer reports.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2527776/amp/Size-DOES-matter-micro-apartments-linked-psychological-problems-DOMESTIC-VIOLENCE-… 4/11
1/9/2020 Size DOES matter: 'micro-apartments' may be linked to psychological problems, as well as DOMESTIC VIOLENCE and SUBSTANCE AB…

Small living spaces, like the one in this stock image, may increase the amount of money per square foot

developers get on property investments...meaning renters may pay the same price for studios that they would

have spent on larger spaces

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2527776/amp/Size-DOES-matter-micro-apartments-linked-psychological-problems-DOMESTIC-VIOLENCE-… 5/11
1/9/2020 Size DOES matter: 'micro-apartments' may be linked to psychological problems, as well as DOMESTIC VIOLENCE and SUBSTANCE AB…

See more top stories from DailyMail

0
shares

153 comments

MOST READ NEWS

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2527776/amp/Size-DOES-matter-micro-apartments-linked-psychological-problems-DOMESTIC-VIOLENCE-… 6/11
1/9/2020 Size DOES matter: 'micro-apartments' may be linked to psychological problems, as well as DOMESTIC VIOLENCE and SUBSTANCE AB…

The Queen's fury as Harry and Meghan Western intelligence say it is UNLIKELY a How will Prince Harry and Me
quit: Royal couple did NOT tell Her missile brought down Ukraine passenger Markle live in Canada? Coup
Majesty, Prince Charles or... jet over Tehran... £2m from Royal purse each..

DON'T MISS

The Queen's fury as Harry and Meghan quit: Royals did NOT tell Her Majesty, Prince
Charles or Willia...

Abbey Clancy displays her phenomenal figure in red lace lingerie with thigh-high boots
as she poses ...

I'm not on meth! Justin Bieber lashes out at criticism of his appearance as he confirms
battle with ...

Shailene Woodley and Callum Turner let their hair down at Soho bar as they wrap up
filming for The L...

Little Mix's Leigh-Anne Pinnock sizzles in a mint bikini as she says she's 'proud' to wear
her swimw...

From booze-fuelled breakouts to dry (skin) January, has Christmas play...

Ad Feature

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2527776/amp/Size-DOES-matter-micro-apartments-linked-psychological-problems-DOMESTIC-VIOLENCE-… 7/11
1/9/2020 Size DOES matter: 'micro-apartments' may be linked to psychological problems, as well as DOMESTIC VIOLENCE and SUBSTANCE AB…

Liam Gallagher hints at Oasis reunion in 2022 and says Noel has been 'begging him' to
get back toget...

Kim Kardashian poses in nothing but her nude SKIMS lingerie as she wishes fans a
very belated Happy ...

Justin Bieber keeps a low profile as he is seen for the first time since announcing he
has Lyme dise...

Coronation Street's Katie McGlynn reveals character's harrowing cancer storyline led
her to comfort ...

Harry and Meghan's Royal romance: From a star-studded wedding to a 'rift' with Prince
William and co...

'It's Megxit!'Social media reaction to Harry and Meghan's announcement they are
quitting as royals -...

What WOULD happen if Prince Harry and Meghan Markle moved to Canada? Couple
will likely keep HRH tit...

Love Island's Malin Andersson tells fans of show not to be 'fooled' by the 'skinny and fit'
contesta...

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2527776/amp/Size-DOES-matter-micro-apartments-linked-psychological-problems-DOMESTIC-VIOLENCE-… 8/11
1/9/2020 Size DOES matter: 'micro-apartments' may be linked to psychological problems, as well as DOMESTIC VIOLENCE and SUBSTANCE AB…

Inside Madonna's $32,000-a-week Maldives holiday: Singer, 61, enjoys 'healing' family

holiday w...

Get moving! How THIS new activewear brand will make your work outs loo...

Ad Feature

Lucie Donlan says she's finally at her 'happy weight' after shedding the two stone she
gained during...

What now for baby Archie? Harry and Meghan's son could become CANADIAN citizen
and his upbringing wi...

Kylie Jenner snuggles up to her daughter Stormi while cosying in bed... weeks ahead of
the child's s...

Ben Kingsley, 76, looks dapper while glamorous wife Daniela Lavender, 45, wows in
lace blouse as the...

Blac Chyna will 'contest' attempts by Rob Kardashian to seek primary custody of
Dream... after he cl...

Kaia Gerber, 18, gets two more tiny tattoos during sibling tat session with her brother
Presley... w...

YouTube sensation Emma Chamberlain reveals 'growing up on social media gave her
so many eating issue...

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2527776/amp/Size-DOES-matter-micro-apartments-linked-psychological-problems-DOMESTIC-VIOLENCE-… 9/11
1/9/2020 Size DOES matter: 'micro-apartments' may be linked to psychological problems, as well as DOMESTIC VIOLENCE and SUBSTANCE AB…

Michelle Keegan jokes she's always been a lover of an Adidas tracksuit as she shares
hilarious throw...

'He's my rock': Samia Longchambon gushes about her Dancing On Ice pro husband
Sylvain and reveals th...

Blue singer Lee Ryan puts on a loved-up display with his new Ariana Grande tribute act
'girlfriend' ...

Jack Fincham teases he's on his way to South Africa after Love Island newcomer
Shaughna Phillips nam...

Ozark Season 3 first images revealed as Netflix announces premiere date for the Jason
Bateman-Laura ...

Gillian Anderson dazzles in glittering gold frock as she joins show favourites Emma
Mackey and Aimee...

Kate Beckinsale DENIES dating ex Pete Davidson's best friend Machine Gun Kelly as
she tells troll to...

MORE TOP STORIES

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2527776/amp/Size-DOES-matter-micro-apartments-linked-psychological-problems-DOMESTIC-VIOLENCE… 10/11
1/9/2020 Size DOES matter: 'micro-apartments' may be linked to psychological problems, as well as DOMESTIC VIOLENCE and SUBSTANCE AB…

© Associated Newspapers Ltd

Contact us Mobile apps

View desktop site Advertise with us

Syndication Terms

Privacy & cookies How to complain

Do not sell my info

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2527776/amp/Size-DOES-matter-micro-apartments-linked-psychological-problems-DOMESTIC-VIOLENCE… 11/11