National Building Museum Exhibition Explores the Changing American Household

The National Building Museum draws attention to the drastic change that has come to the American household. No longer does the nuclear family dominate the housing market, and a new era of housing development must be launched.

1 minute read

November 18, 2017, 5:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


The National Building Museum today opens its new "Making Room: Housing for a Changing America" exhibition, which will run until September 2018.

The website announcing and promoting the exhibition notes the changing complexion of households in the United States. In 1950, nuclear families represented 43 percent of the nation's households, in 1970 it was 40 percent, and now it's 20 percent.

"A groundswell of action by housing entrepreneurs, however, is beginning to expand our options—making room for new models and design solutions," according to the NBM website. "Looking beyond typical choices and layouts, they are offering alternatives at all levels of the market, from micro-units, tiny houses, and accessory apartments to cohousing, co-living, and beyond."

The centerpiece of the "Making Room" exhibition is the Open House: a home designed for the exhibition by architect Pierluigi Colombo. "The Open House features a hyper-efficient layout, movable walls, and multifunctional furniture, allowing the space to meet the needs of a variety of today’s growing but underserved households," according to the website.

Friday, November 17, 2017 in National Building Museum

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog