abtw777

We seem to be heading inexorably towards most of us living in cities. This has some clear advantages: More space left for nature: Infrastructure can be more concentrated, and therefore cheaper and less polluting: The interaction of people in cities often leads to greater innovation and cultural richness. The lack of nature though can be a problem for people of an ecological persuasion. Perhaps they’d prefer innumerable eco-villages interspersed with farming and nature. But then, unless people were willing to lead very simple and sedentary lifestyles, this could really be a less eco-friendly alternative. There are some interesting attempts to combine nature with large buildings. Time will tell how these will cope in the long-term. But I wonder about trees and plants lifted 15 storeys above the earth. Is this not the plant equivalent of putting animals in zoos? When it comes to these kind of ecological options, it has to be said that people display a distinct ambiguity. Most peop...

There’s a house – it really exists – tucked in between two bigger houses, in a quiet street, in a quiet seaside town. From the street side, the house looks very small. But then, the roof angles back and the house extends further than its neighbours to the rear, with a little paved courtyard right behind the back gable. The courtyard adjoins three neighbouring gardens to one side. If there were a doorway made to the other end of the court it could link up to the back of the neighbouring property on the other side, and then to a little path that links a few further gardens. This was my first house. I left it nearly 25 years ago now, but I still dream of it. It’s not that it’s the biggest place I’ve ever owned. Perhaps it’s because the first house is a terraced house, whilst all my subsequent properties are flats? I don’t know. But let me tell you about the dreams. For one thing, the house is always in need of repairs. Many nights I find myself sitting in the loft, which seems to ...

The ultimate expression of civilisation – that’s what I’d call them! I’m talking about cafés. Along with restaurants, bars and pubs – there’s something about sitting still and having food made for you and drinks poured for you that is just hard to beat. The café is a liminal space – half way between private and public. There is the private realm of eating, drinking and conversation. There is the public realm of the street, the passers-by and the traffic. And the café sits in between. It is the place of the flaneur – the drifter who simply observes. It is the place to read and to write and sketch – all the better to create a separation between self and environment – so that observation is easier. (Perhaps also it is the place of the poseur, who just enjoys others seeing them writing and sketching!) For a good café vibe there needs to be some other customers there. Not too many that it feels crowded. But not too few or it can feel awkward. And certainly not no other customers!...