Etiam progredieris

Ah, the post war, modest suburban semi.

Inoffensive, unassuming and as middle England British as some conservative dinner table politics over Pg Tips on a John Lewis table cloth. Reality and normality for the majority of aspiring middle class suburbanites.

Okay, they're painfully unremarkable. But at the same time are somewhat of a comfort zone; well built, large rooms, family garden. What else could the nuclear family possibly want? Its a model reflected in planned housing right across Europe.

I have a soft spot for them. They are for me, the definition of nostalgia. My affection aside however...

Britain has changed enormously since the conception and construction of this suburban staple. Economically, socially and culturally. Yet in any town or city up and down the country the same model for dormitory living remains as an inner-city staple. Just without the adornment of a tryptic of ascending geese or that puzzling concept of a serving hatch.

I don't think this is a negative ideal by any means. If anything its quite humble. But its simply not the archetype of what modern housing/ architecture should be. Its not sustainable, universally accessible or indeed visually stimulating. Perhaps what is even more fascinating is the obsession with television which illustrates what modern architecture and dwelling can be. Yet we British, on the whole, reject any forward thinking when it comes to architecture. At least when it comes to the Englishman's castle.

This attitude to architecture is dangerous. By refusing to move forward we are settling for the mediocre. We need to architecture to shape to the demands of modern living; A whole new attitude towards housing, should it be private or social. Perhaps we've been scared off by the concrete revolution of the 60's which casts its shadow over the victorian terraces of the industrial cities.

But for now, a 2 up 2 down and a cuppa will do me lovely.