Thumping ambition – and demolition: 10 high-rises that changed modern Britain

The article explores the contrasting perspectives on high-rise buildings that have shaped modern Britain. It highlights 10 prominent high-rise developments that were once hailed as revolutionary housing solutions for the working class, but later faced criticism as "eyesores" and "scandalously unsafe." The article delves into the story and scandals behind these iconic buildings, reflecting on the evolving attitudes towards high-rise architecture. It juxtaposes the visionary perspective of Evelyn Sharp, a civil servant who championed the aesthetic and social benefits of tall buildings, with the contemporary view that many now see them as "ugly concrete monoliths." The article invites the reader to consider the complex legacy of these structures, which were once celebrated as utopian housing but have since fallen out of favor, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding the role of high-rise developments in shaping modern Britain.