...trade-offs of projects built to the Upper Steps include: Increased construction costs
from https://energystepco...fits-tradeoffs/
Buildings that have tiny windows and balconies are going to be more expensive, but they will make our lives better. And -- in theory, at least -- it's still possible to build an attractive home or building. I'm eager to see the first successful proof. Architects around the world are giving it their best effort as we speak, no doubt:
While it is possible to build beautiful homes and high-rise buildings to meet the Upper Steps, designers must pay special attention to the amount and location of window glazing and the design of balconies, to mitigate heat loss as much as possible. The added costs associated with implementing these changes may, in practice, result in fewer balconies or less glazing in some buildings.
from https://energystepco...fits-tradeoffs/
The loving & merciful state just wants to lower your energy bill, don't ya know. And manage your access to fresh air (by taking away your ability to easily & effectively manage your own access to fresh air). And windowless bunkers are very durable, too. Up until now, buildings haven't been durable enough:
Occupants often prefer these buildings as they:
- Improve comfort, by better managing temperature
- Improve health, by better managing fresh air throughout the building
- Reduce noise, through better insulation and airtightness
- Require less energy, helping occupants lower their energy bills
- Are more durable
from https://energystepco...fits-tradeoffs/
Occupants often prefer no sunlight and no view. Houseplants are a nuisance.
I'm wondering if there's an objective here to throw some water on the "appealing densification" trend, by making new apartments very dreary and depressing? Crikey, every positive urban improvement seems to be countered by some arbitrary initiative to make things a little more miserable, a little more controversial or contentious, etc. As if the authorities believe that our cities must be miserable to some degree. Cities that are too pleasant or too appealing just aren't the sort of cities that the government wants.
If people are still drawn to urban areas even after this then what would the next step be? No windows or balconies at all? No elevators? No bathrooms?
Edited by aastra, 03 July 2018 - 11:37 AM.