#StayTheFuckHome Valencians change their lifestyle

The declaration of the state of alarm by Covid-19 forced Bernd Knöller to close his restaurant in Valencia. Since then he interviews in his podcast (El PutoCrack Club) personalities trapped in their homes with the hashtag #StayTheFuckHome.

As architecture critic Oliver Wainwright of The Guardian explains in a great article all epidemics have changed the way we relate to architecture and urban planning. It is still too early to know what the post-Covid-19 life of Valencians will be like, but at this point we are already aware of the limitations of our homes.

Houses reflect the relationship with urban planning and public space and the way of life of a society. In Valencia the home is the intimate place the family where up to three generations live together.

On rare occasions, home visits are received that are not from the family environment. Social life takes place outside, in a network of public spaces and its wide range of leisure and culture. It is precisely the social relationship in the public space, facilitated by the climate, that has made Valencia one of the most attractive areas of Spain for travellers who value the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. The expression of affection in the form of hugs, double kisses on the cheeks and constant clash clasp or shake of hands between men and women of all ages and social status are common practices that determine the relationships and ties between people and, unfortunately, have facilitated the spread of the pandemic.

Street life, a precarious economy and a business class anchored in practices that have not encouraged telework have contributed to the population spending little time at home. Homes that do not have the same characteristics as those of our European neighbours.

In addition to a change in the way we relate to each other, after the pandemic homes, with the architectural characteristics that we have come to value during confinement, will be demanded. That sunny little balcony that we always wanted to close is now the most valued space in the house. That east-facing window, the place through which the first morning sun filters. The kitchen has become the center of shared gastronomic experiences. Suddenly, the guest room works wonderfully.

Perhaps, after Covid-19, Bernd’s future podcasts will have changed their title. They will carry the hashtag #StayTheFuckGreatHome

Text: Boris Strzelczyk, GA Valencia