MINI LIVING – Breathe is a forward-looking interpretation of resource-conscious urban living within a minimal physical footprint. The installation calls into question conventional living concepts and demonstrates how architecture can react creatively to future challenges presented by ever-shrinking living spaces and limited resources in urban areas.

In keeping with MINI’s adherence to the principles “Creative use of space” and “Minimal footprint”, the installation conjures attractive living spaces for up to three people within an area just five metres wide and ten metres tall. The concept views the home as an active ecosystem which can make a positive contribution to its environment – expressed here through intelligent use of resources essential to life, e.g. air, water and light. The transparent, flexible outer skin filters the air and floods the installation with natural light to ensure a bright and pleasant ambience inside. Plus, a roof garden stocked with vigorous, oxygen-producing plants does its bit to improve air quality and the urban microclimate around it. Also on the roof, an intelligent construction collects rainwater for further use. The basic structure of the installation features reusable, environment-friendly and recyclable materials, setting the seal on the concept’s keen all-round awareness of the resources involved.