JOURNAL OF THE LONDON SOCIETY 2021
Archio’s Kyle Buchanan talks about what the pandemic can teach London about sharing
London is facing a time of great change. Notwithstanding the immediate impacts of the pandemic and our changed relationship with Europe, London is predicted to grow by 2 million people over the next three decades. Efforts to house the burgeoning population will have a transformative impact on the city, and by 2050 London will be taller and denser than ever before. Even before the pandemic, London could be a difficult place to live. Beset by perennial problems of traffic, air pollution and safety, London’s lowly 41st position in the 2019 Mercer Quality of Living City Ranking suggests systemic issues. In the last year, London’s centre of gravity has shifted away from business districts to neighbourhood centres, which has provided an opportunity to reflect on the role that our homes and communities, or the deficiencies in them, have on our wellbeing and our collective experience of the city. In many ways the pandemic has changed our assumptions about how the city should grow. As London begins its recovery, the Mayor has called on us to build on the community spirit shown over the last difficult year, and to strive for a city “where we have economic opportunity, thriving neighbourhoods and improved wellbeing for all.” How then can we seize this moment for positive change and ensure London retains the vibrancy that has made it a world leading city, whilst also being a better place to live?
Brick Lane, London Photo by John Cameron on unsplash.com @john_cameron
Housing density at the level needed to meet London’s demand means flats, accompanied by an increase in shared space and amenities. The key to a more liveable, sustainable, and denser London will rest on our ability to 4
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