It's amazing how condescending the 'urban planning' people can be. If they want to live in tiny houses within spitting distance of their neighbors, and feel morally superior about it, that's fine for them. I prefer to have at least 40' between my house and my neighbors, and room inside the house to move around.
Yes, such a house does look a bit weird, but it does have these advantages:
1. The structure is EXTREMELY structurally sound, capable of withstanding even strong earthquakes and high winds.
2. Such a house uses a lot less land footprint than conventional houses.
3. The interior space is amazing considering how small the house looks from the outside.
4. Because of its design climate control is much easier, with vastly lower heating and cooling bills.