A Warning From New York: Don’t Introduce Tough Space Standards

New York has frequently looked toward the UK – especially London – as a kindred spirit on matters of social policy. Now we urge you to turn away from the path of new minimum space standards, regardless of your good intentions. Of course, we want to prevent mass development of low-quality housing, but that goal can be met through better construction codes for sound insulation, design guidelines for light and aid, and sound housing management practice. If you face a housing crisis, setting guidelines for minimum unit sizes is not the answer.