ABSTRACT
Present conceptions of high density involve the use of tall and low blocks. Whilst these conceptions have many merits they are also open to criticism on several counts. Different sizes of family are segregated into high or low blocks. The spatial arrangements of individual dwellings are limited by the forms of construction. The private open space given to families is unevenly distributed: in tall blocks it is usually a balcony, which is inadequate, and in low blocks a garden, which only a few families can enjoy. In the proposals which are now presented we have attempted to provide answers to some of these criticisms. It is generally considered that the first moves towards this new approach were seen with two housing schemes from 1961: John Darbourne's winning design in the Lillington Street housing competition for Westminster council, unveiled in July 1961, and the Lesley Martin-Patrick Hodgkinson design for the redevelopment of the Foundling estate in Bloomsbury.
