Live On Our Towers

When we were all in lockdown some of us thought of those in tower blocks and flats and how were they coping?

More people than ever live in urban areas and the migration continues resulting in huge swathes of land being developed to make way for new centres of accommodation. But these areas are not necessarily going to be green with recreational spaces and trees to absorb carbon.

But the pandemic may result in a change of thought. Where I live new investment is going to create larger pedestrianised areas laid to grass with seating and other attractions as we have to rethink leisure. The pandemic may be eradicated like some diseases in the past but this breakthrough hasn’t yet been made and we’re being told by governments we must learn to live with the threat of coronavirus.

How will communities adapt? Will the migration to cities continue unabated or will there be a change in planning? How can it be absorbed without further bulldozing into green spaces? In the last 25 years there has been a massive reduction in habitat such as rainforests, heathland and meadows to make way for the modern dormitories we now live in as well as the intensive farming methods that keep our supermarket systems filling shelves.

It’s caused an enormous corresponding loss of wildlife including birds and insects. How fewer birds are seen than in the 1970s? Reports vary and it’s difficult to be accurate but estimates claim 75 per cent less birds and insects exist as the built environment continues its march towards modern living environments.

But these are essential for the maintenance of our eco – system; we are nothing without them.

So when our thoughts turn to families who continue to manage in tower – blocks, many built as vertical solutions to previous housing problems those who can enjoy green spaces thank them. For their continual managing in such confined spaces is to the benefit of the environment and thereby society. Their once – considered ideal and dream homes reach upwards and keep ticking over as so – called habitable places creating less pressure for more builds and therefore us all.

We salute you.