In the attempts to solve the problems of multi-storey housing several distinct strands of thinking have emerged – what might be called facets of regeneration. During the 1980s two quite different perspectives, each underpinned by a strong theoretical basis, generated considerable debate. The earliest was the Priority Estates Project (PEP) which centred on the presumption that changes in housing management was the main issue in seeking sustainable solutions. The other concentrated on the ‘defensible space’ concept and saw bad design as the key cause of failure. Physical changes might ameliorate the problems but, fundamentally, flats would always be inferior to houses. This defeatist line of thinking led to the most radical option – abandoning hope in multi-storey housing, clearing it away to be replaced by houses with gardens. More detailed examination and the benefit of experience suggests that demolition is not the trouble-free option it first appears. For the most part, ways will have to be found to redeem multi-storey housing for its continuous long-term use.

Efforts at redemption have revolved around several different approaches and these can be defined in four further facets. First is the view is that the failings of multi-storey housing are largely technical and that if these problems were solved dissatisfaction would evaporate. A second view sees the issue of insecure and uncontrolled access systems as the critical problem. In the attempt to solve this there has been increasing reliance on complex technology. A third, more radical, approach suggests that multi-storey blocks must be ‘reformed’ – either the occupants must be changed to suit the buildings or the buildings must be adapted to make them suitable for their occupants. Finally, there is a view that no amount of physical adaptation can compensate for the concentrations of poverty found on many estates; what is needed is a concerted effort to improve the economic prospects of their residents. Each of these seven approaches merits consideration in some detail.

The Priority Estates Project

The Priority Estates Project (PEP) was set up in response to growing concern over the problems of unpopular housing estates. In 1979 the Department of the Environment (DoE) appointed three women to act as consultants. Each was to take charge of a pilot project – a ‘hard-to-let’ estate on which attention would be focused to try to reverse its bad reputation.