The Therapy Rooms - building esteem or housing discontent? February 27, 2007

"Nowadays, buildings are credited with changing our behaviour, promoting our welfare, and addressing intractable social problems. For instance, it has been argued that large windows in schools improve students' performance; natural ventilation increases productivity in offices; well designed homes and neighbourhoods prevent anti-social behaviour; healthy sports stadia reduce spectator obesity; and hospitals with soothing decor help people get better quicker.

But what are the consequences of this therapeutic justification for social provision? Should we argue, for example, that the inadequate supply of housing is a problem because it has consequences for the well-being, mental health and self-esteem of the homeless - or because the housing shortage means that there aren't enough 'decent' homes around to meet demand? Or are both explanations compatible?

This debate will ask whether we have lost our ability to argue for better provision in its own terms and for its own sake. No doubt the way buildings are designed do make us feel good, but how transient is this response? In order to tick the right funding box, is it justifiable to over-claim for the immediate benefits of a project, or do we lose something in the process?"

Speaker and booking information on event homepage.

Official Website: http://www.futurecities.org.uk/events.html