We all know IKEA. I mean, we probably see a particular shade of yellow and blue and just know. We know that they showcase and sell products in a way that we know how we’ll actually use them, by arranging them in a way that appeals to our visual senses. Instead of us wondering where we can put that preposterous beanbag that YES I REALLY DO NEED, MA, DON’T ASK QUESTIONS, they’ll show us how perfectly it’ll fit in the corner between the window and the desk, providing the perfect reading space.
We go to IKEA and if we’re [re: I’m] not drinking glass after glass of that glorious lingonberry sparkling water, aka nectar of the Swedish Gods [blasphemy, forgive me actual and only God], we’re pointing at the beautifully black and suave looking kitchen, complete with a cutlery decorated island/ACTUAL LIBRARY and a fake fruit bowl, shrieking “I WANT THAT. THAT’S GOING TO BE MY KITCHEN”. And then it’s the huge bedrooms with a super king-sized bed placed diagonally across a corner [Amazing? Why didn’t I think of that?], with fluffy grey rugs on wood flooring and a vanity mirror slap-bang in the centre and gah.
We’re so used to seeing homes in a condition that we’re familiar with, or a condition that we long to be familiar with. Messy childrens rooms, decent sized bedrooms that look like a neater and better designed version of ours, something totally achievable. We can look at a room and say “lol, mine’s better”. Everything is mostly affordable. We see massive kitchens [like the aforementioned beautiful black room where probably the best steak in the world is made], and we see nothing that is surprising to us.
We don’t see anything that isn’t ‘normal’ to us, and in not being exposed to this in real life [read: not just behind a TV screen, far away from our grasp], it keeps us ignorant as to what may be ‘normal’ to everybody else.
IKEA is probably at the forefront of providing the most normalised setting – the home – to the average person. And it has set out to change this ignorance.
In partnership with the Red Cross, IKEA’s flagship store in Norway replicated a home – a 25 square foot apartment – of Syrian woman Rana and her family.
In the final two weeks of October, this display, which, by the way, used actual concrete blocks instead of simply wallpaper [for authenticity], allowed visitors to view what ‘normal’ is for families in Syria – and obviously in other war-torn countries. Visitors were also encouraged to donate [the campaign having raised 22 million euros for the Red Cross], which you can still do here, here and also here, and honestly this is one of the best things I’ve ever seen. We all know that people generally don’t care unless it’s happening to them, or they have a first-hand experience of it, and bringing this ‘normal’ setting to a place where ‘normal’ for us is so starkly different, creates the kind of empathy that pushes people to try and help. As Snorre Martinsen says, “it was important to get the public involved, and to really understand where the help was going”.
<3 you, Ikea
Photo credits: All screenshots from 25m2 Syria, by POL.
Note: Please remember to donate if you have the means! Please also remember that it’s not just Syria that needs help!! I usually donate to human appeal, and there you can find all the causes that desperately need help. I know, it’s hard. You end up wanting to give to everybody.
Howdy would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re using?
I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m having a difficult time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and
Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design seems
different then most blogs and I’m looking for something unique.
P.S Sorry for being off-topic but I had to ask!
Usually I don’t read article on blogs, however I wish to say that this write-up is amazing!
Your writing taste has amazed me. Thank you, very great post.
Fascinating article , I’m going to spend more time learning about
this subject.
I am regular visitor, how are you everybody?
This article posted at this site is actually good.
Hey! Someone in my Facebook group shared this site with us so I came
to give it a look. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m
bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Excellent
blog and great style and design. http://blogs.rediff.com/karenmcbeath33/2016/12/29/things-you-should-know-about-driving-games/
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long
as I provide credit and sources back to your website?
My blog site is in the exact same area of interest as yours
and my users would truly benefit from a lot of the information you provide here.
Please let me know if this ok with you. Cheers!