Maybe it is just me, but I find it strange (almost dehumanizing) to have to live or sleep in such a pod for months or years. It is like the plot of a SciFi dystopia. Also the price is outrageous $700/month for half a closet with a mat.
People are willing to be uncomfortable to achieve their goals.
The first person interviewed is from China and it reminded me of an article I read in the English paper in Shanghai.
A government official was chatting foreign busy Bodies by saying that the comparison isn't to Western wealth, it's to itinerant Farmers sleeping in the fields at night.
For some people having a roof over your head and for solid walls is an improvement
It is built right in the middle of western wealth, it's crazy to say "this island of exploitation is fine because poor people exist elsewhere" with a straight face. Expensive, minimal standards "home", but think how it will make your dreams come true!
I haven't rented in SF in a while but I imagine these would have done well 5-6 years ago. Afair, I've heard of the company before so that's probably how long they were caught up regulatory purgatory.
What a shit implementation of this idea compared to a proper Capsule hotel, which would run you about the same per day in Japan and give you better amenities and a truly isolated pod, not just a bunch of wooden dividers and a towel over the end.
This approach shrinks "private space" by design, so more energy needs to go into "public spaces" such as lounges, fitness facilities, and outdoor / rooftop areas.
The price tag SMH. I'm 50... my first rent was $500 per month (nice one bedroom), my next place was $850 (2 bedroom apartment)....
