an introduction HOUSING LAYOUT

Housing development can be regarded as the implementation of social policy, not merely of structural design. It is now recognised that architects must examine not only the way individual homes are designed, but also how those homes can become an integral part of the local community.

Along with many other housing authorities, the GLC now tries to provide the maximum number of family houses with gardens at ground level. Indeed, the policies have arisen out of a number of pressures which many housing authorities will recognise. Alongside the universal unpopularity of high-rise blocks, there is an urgent need to regenerate inner-city areas, and this is where the GLC will now concentrate its resources, often using smaller sites than in the past, integrating new housing into existing urban developments and so enhancing a sense of community.

The GLC's extensive experience in housing design is reflected in this book, which should be a useful guideline to all architects designing future housing schemes and so help them to meet the needs of the ultimate clients - the tenant or homeowner.
George Tremlett
Chairman of the GLC Housing Policy Committee