There seems to be as many ideas on what the home is as many elements (both physical and non-physical) a home contains – the list would be extensive.
According to Otto Friedrich Bollnow (author of ‘Human space’) home provides shelter and protection, gives a sense of safety. The size of the space matters can’t be too big or too small, but the dimensions are not set in stone; it is flexible depending on the occupants need. Another important aspect of homeliness is the temperature. The homeliness or cosiness seems to be about striking the right balance, not too much… not too little… And the rules are fluid, depending on who the occupants are, what are their needs, tastes, lifestyles, and histories. Comfort is needed for homeliness – be it in the form of lovingly cared for interiors and furnishings or just that ‘feel-good’ sensation when we are just content. The ability to shut off the outside world and be safe and unbothered in one’s space is the ultimate comfort. The common denominator is that home is a place where we can relax, feel safe and comfortable. And if we can’t life is difficult.
According to Edwin Heathcote (author of ‘The meaning of home’) house and its elements were at heart of language development. A home could be a ‘container of meaning’ and history.
Thinking of different forms, we use the word home in our everyday life; the feeling at home has such a special meaning – it is about ‘feeling’: safe, comfortable, confident, content. That feeling can be felt outside of one’s home.
References:
Bollnow, O. (2011) The human space. London: Hyphen Press. At: Bollnow – Human Space – PDFCOFFEE.COM (Accessed 24/05/2022)
Heathcote, E. (2012) The Meaning of Home. Frances Lincoln. At: The Meaning of Home by Edwin Heathcote (goodreads.com) (Accessed 24/05/2022)
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