ABSTRACT
Vaclav Havel believes that all people must have room to "realize themselves freely as human beings, to exercise their identities." Our homes are "an inseparable element of our human identity. Deprived of all the aspects of his home, man would be deprived of himself, of his humanity" (Havel1992: 30-31). In addition to providing refuge from the elements, a dwelling offers physical and psychological security. The home connotes status, helping to define our social position. It represents a source of pride, self-respect, and a tangible measure of our economic worth. For some, the family home provides roots in the community and a link with previous generations. The home as haven offers privacy, respite, a peaceful setting for regaining physical health and maintaining mental well-being. The notions of home and family are intertwined:
(Rybczynski 1986: 66) Homes allow us to introduce a sense of order in our lives. For most of us,
our home offers convenience and a comfortable environment in terms of temperature, ventilation, lighting, and soundproofing; it provides a fixed address, where we can prepare meals, receive mail, take phone calls, greet friends, and store belongings without outside interference. The home is not confined to four walls. Inside and outside are connected. We derive satisfaction from the use of adjacent outdoor spaces - gardens, courtyards, lawns,
balconies, decks, or porches-which allow us to remain close to our house, to keep our eyes on the street, while socializing with neighbors.
