As populations grow and cities become more crowded, there is pressure throughout the country to construct ever taller buildings to provide accommodation and offices. Many people object to such developments, citing the social as well as the physical dangers.
What benefits do skyscrapers bring? Do you agree with the objections to skyscrapers?
Throughout the country as well as the world, the populations of the major cities are increasing at a fast rate and where land for building is not available, there is enormous pressure to build upwards rather than sideways. The main advantage of building higher building is that they can take the pressure off the need to build just outside large cities, thus preventing the spread outwards and the destruction of the countryside. In smaller countries, land is very expensive and so it makes sense to build upwards. In London, for example, property prices are rising rapidly and will continue to do so for years to come unless more homes are built. Both options, building in the greenbelt around the city and constructing skyscrapers are controversial, but tall buildings are the less damaging alternative.
Another benefit is more accommodation and workspace inside cities, as it shortens the distance that people have to travel to work. Stress is reduced by this and people feel healthier. Moreover, as it is possible to provide more accommodation in a smaller ground space by building upwards, the cost of living is cheaper.
However, some people are against the idea of building skyscrapers to solve the lack of space problem. High blocks of flats in the past have been the source of a lot of social ills. People feel cut off from the environment and feel better if they have a garden, however small. People also object to tall building, because they feel trapped in them and they worry about escaping if something goes wrong. Although I understand the reservations that people have, I feel that it is better to preserve the countryside and build upwards rather than side ways. But it should be done in a planned way.....
