In a unique response to the pressing housing challenges, capsule accommodations, typically associated with transient travelers, are now finding a more permanent place in the lives of professors and students in Madrid.
Living in Capsules
Take Luis Miranda, for example. As a professional training professor, Luis has made the Gallery Hostel his home during the work week. This vibrant lodging, which opened its doors in late August, features captivating capsule-style rooms that echo the distinctive hospitality of Japan. For Luis, the modern conveniences of the hostel provide a refuge amid Madrid’s skyrocketing rents, which have forced many to explore alternative living arrangements.
Gallery Hostel is designed to accommodate up to 36 capsules, creating a lively atmosphere. During the daytime, residents, including Luis, return to their cozy capsules after fulfilling days filled with teaching and exploration. On weekends, Luis recharges by spending time with his family in Cáceres, while he finds the practical cost of around $27 per night a necessary investment in an increasingly limited housing market.
Shared Spaces and Diverse Residents
Among the hostel’s eclectic residents is Thierry, a Congolese diplomat pursuing his doctorate. He, too, was taken aback to find himself in a capsule while searching for a place to stay in Madrid’s competitive rental landscape. His experience highlights how rising rents have led many, including high-achieving professionals, to settle for unconventional living situations.
While capsule living may provide only temporary relief, it is a lifeline for those navigating the city’s housing crisis. Madrid’s regulations currently limit hostel stays to short durations, presenting hurdles for property owners who wish to allow longer residencies. However, at Gallery Hostel, the possibility of monthly stays priced at $452 represents a more feasible option for individuals like Luis.
Embracing Simplicity
Each capsule measures around six-and-a-half feet in length and just over three feet in width, offering basic amenities alongside shared bathrooms and common areas. Yet, many residents find value in the simplicity and adaptability of this lifestyle, allowing them to make the most of their limited space.
As Luis immerses himself in his work during quiet evenings at the hostel, he reflects on the ongoing housing concerns plaguing Madrid. Rising living costs leave countless residents scrambling for affordable options. In this shared environment, he and his fellow inhabitants are learning to adapt, responding creatively to the challenges posed by a city notorious for its high rental prices. Their ability to find solutions amidst adversity serves as a testament to their resilience and inventive spirit.
Source: Elpais
