Our attachment to the place to where we live is generally guided by just two factors:
1. The architecture of the built environment in which we live, and...
2. The sociability, or otherwise, of the people we call our neighbours.
Through combining these two factors we can confidently guage how we feel about they places in which we live. Dysfunctional communities and run down estates have been calling for a greater emphasis on design for a long time and there is a recognition that design can play a part in determining quality of life. Organisations such as RIBA, CABE and many others have made great strides in creating better housing and public space. Unfortunately due to the complex interwined social problems there are many other factors that need to be considered in improving communities. Education, unemployment and many other factors have a huge impact in the sociability of an environment.
It is evident the government need to look to the people who will be instrumental in bringing about much needed change rather than approaching the problem with well meaning top-down solutions which often take too long to deliver. Selecta Composite Doors a market leader in manufacturing composite doors are enthusiastic in lending a hand in regeneration projects throughout the midlands and believe that improving households in local estates helps to boost morale and community spirit. They are proud in their endeavours and support but believe that more street level initiatives need to be implemented and used to kick-start the regeneration of tired estates.