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wind turbulence is a continual source of annoyance, and maintenance costs, already heavy, are rising rapidly. Even the theory
that only "point block" schemes with densities up to 150 persons
per acre meet the shortage of land problem is proving untenable
for Haringey, with 2-storey houses and a few old people's flats has
achieved a density of 110 persons per acre while Southwark, with
4-storey flats and maisonettes has managed 173 persons.
High-rise dwellings are not new. However, it would seem that
previous experiences in this field and the lessons of their inherent
disadvantages have not been assimilated or fully understood. The
deplorable conditions of many multi-storied dwellings in North
London, in the Gorbals district of Glasgow and in many other large
conurbations throughout the country bear testimony to the failure
of high-rise accommodation medically, economically or socially
to provide the ideal setting for family life. Moreover, their clearance
as slum properties, although urgent, continues to be a difficult
and highly complex operation. Their modern counterparts will
be no less intractable when their time comes for replacement.
Although we are led to believe that the multi-storied dwelling is
now an indispensable part of the modern housing scheme, scant
attention is paid to the mental strain occasioned to mothers who,
living in accommodation above say the 5th floor, are more than
concerned for the safety of their young children. The hazards to
the children of lifts, stairs and windows at that height; lack of
facilities for play in the immediate vicinity of the dwelling under
the eye of the mother; the inadvisability of children to indulge in
any hobby that is noisy and likely to be a nuisance to occupants
of flats above and below thus tending to lead to bad neighbour
relationships; the reluctance of tradesmen to deliver goods to storied
dwelling necessitating greater thought on shopping lists; all these
militate against the peace of mind of the parent. Furthermore, in
urban areas the lack of play space for children is serious yet car
parks far exceed the number of playgrounds and, although new
housing schemes must include a proportionate space for the parking
of cars, there is no such legislation for play. Are we sure that
these matters are given their full weight in the preparatory planning
of housing schemes?
Attention needs to be drawn to one other aspect of multi-storied
dwellings and to the serious problems which will accrue to local
authorities when people, now in their late 50s and housed in the
upper parts of these "skyscrapers", reach the age of retirement in
a disabled condition. If not a breakdown then at least a serious
dislocation of the practical side of the welfare and social services is
presaged.