Gary Porter’s idea to transform council housing (Self-build plan ‘could put 100,000 homes on council list’, 22 October) is a good one, but it needs to go beyond the colour of the bricks. Fundamental change is needed in how we conceive and manage housing, in the context of a steadily growing global home-based workforce; 80% of the 700 homes built at Dutch architect MVRDV’s self-build scheme at Nieuw Leyden, for example, include an office, workshop or studio. However, most UK standard tenancy agreements continue the Victorian practice of restricting or even prohibiting home-based work, despite its well-documented social, economic and environmental benefits – and positive impact on the city. This results in covert practice – which leads to widespread frustration, inefficiency and stress – and housing poorly designed to meet the needs of occupants. It needs to change.
Dr Frances Holliss
Emeritus reader in architecture, Sir John Cass School of Art, Architecture & Design, London Metropolitan University
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