Streets in the Sky, first report of the NSTBI

5. Towards the sustainable development of Tower Blocks

In stating the goal of a sustainable tower block community, what are we actually seeking? What do we mean by a sustainable tower block? The ingredients might include:
• Good physical state of repair.
• Effective and accountable local neighbourhood management.
• Positive social relationships between residents.
• Opportunities for social interaction.
• A residents organisation that articulates and acts upon residents concerns.
• A secure block with a low crime level.
• A block which provides a healthy environment in which to live.
• Access to the outdoors for recreation and green space.
• Healthy eating.
• Energy-efficient.
• Self-reliance, independence.
It should of course be stressed that this list is relevant to all social housing and not just to tower blocks, but some of these issues are particular problem areas in high-rise dwellings. In discussions with agencies and communities across the UK we found numerous examples where some of these issues were being addressed. Appendix 1 covers some of these issues in more detail, notably effective tenant involvement and management, service provision, energy, waste and green space issues. The challenge for sustainability is see whether and how it is possible to address all these matters in the same place at the same time.
For residents, or for a housing authority, with a tower block facing the most common problems, the questions are not how to achieve sustainability but “what can be done?” and “where do we start?”. Needless to say, the process of turning around a tower block is long, uncertain and different in different places. To summarise, we would suggest that all the following need to be in place as early in the process as possible.
1. Suitable Funding systems
2. An appropriate allocations policy
3. A stable population.
4. Effective security systems
5. Good quality, appealing social space and surroundings
6. Effective involvement and community democracy
7. Service provision which is at least adequate in the eyes of residents.
8. Changing the image of tower blocks and sharing of good practice
In a context which is promoting these developments the prospects for sustainability become more promising. The essential active ingredient which will determine where the process goes from here is the resident body. Sustainability must ultimately be judged through the experience of residents.


	<< Previous \|\| Next >> 5. Towards the sustainable development of Tower Blocks In stating the goal of a sustainable tower block community, what are we actually seeking? What do we mean by a sustainable tower block? The ingredients might include: • Good physical state of repair. • Effective and accountable local neighbourhood management. • Positive social relationships between residents. • Opportunities for social interaction. • A residents organisation that articulates and acts upon residents concerns. • A secure block with a low crime level. • A block which provides a healthy environment in which to live. • Access to the outdoors for recreation and green space. • Healthy eating. • Energy-efficient. • Self-reliance, independence. It should of course be stressed that this list is relevant to all social housing and not just to tower blocks, but some of these issues are particular problem areas in high-rise dwellings. In discussions with agencies and communities across the UK we found numerous examples where some of these issues were being addressed. Appendix 1 covers some of these issues in more detail, notably effective tenant involvement and management, service provision, energy, waste and green space issues. The challenge for sustainability is see whether and how it is possible to address all these matters in the same place at the same time. For residents, or for a housing authority, with a tower block facing the most common problems, the questions are not how to achieve sustainability but “what can be done?” and “where do we start?”. Needless to say, the process of turning around a tower block is long, uncertain and different in different places. To summarise, we would suggest that all the following need to be in place as early in the process as possible. 1. Suitable Funding systems 2. An appropriate allocations policy 3. A stable population. 4. Effective security systems 5. Good quality, appealing social space and surroundings 6. Effective involvement and community democracy 7. Service provision which is at least adequate in the eyes of residents. 8. Changing the image of tower blocks and sharing of good practice In a context which is promoting these developments the prospects for sustainability become more promising. The essential active ingredient which will determine where the process goes from here is the resident body. Sustainability must ultimately be judged through the experience of residents.		Contents Executive Summary Introduction 1. Tower Blocks, sustainable development, and high-density housing 2. The key issues 3. The problems 4. The potential 5. Towards sustainable development 6. The key issues 7. The process of development 8. Conclusions and recommendations – from ‘streets in the sky’ to ‘vertical villages’? 9. Postscript: Appendix 1 Appendix 2 Appendix 3 References Download the full report in PDF (110kB)