Apartments are homes only if they are designed to be homes & only if the city is designed to be liveable for everyone

on my experience living in dense midrise compact city, using my exAmsterdam apartment as a case study

Good homes have good internal space & public realm
1/

Good homes have good external living space that’s private, shared & public

I had 2 south facing balconies, a shared garden & options for a roof terrace
2/

Good homes are designed for all types of families = mix of 1, 2 & 3 bed & have amble storage internally & externally.
In fact, external storage spaces is mandatory in Amsterdam. Traditionally an attic space but on newer builds its a basement, ideal for buggies & bikes
3/

Good homes are surrounded by play areas
on 4 play areas all within 200m of my front door
4/ https://twitter.com/judesherry/status/1347214077416923138

Good homes are connected to good transport options

On my doorstep, I had
-Segregated cycle infrastructure & low traffic neighbourhoods
- Public electric car charging points
- Ample public bike parking

& Great public transport across & out of the city within 5 mins walk
5/

Good homes are connected to nature
These are all within 10 mins walk or cycle
6/

Good homes are NOT surrounded by vacancy, dereliction or decay

All of which were solved by
Squatting
Meanwhile use
Direct Action to save built heritage
Use it or Lose it - Compulsory Rental Orders
Maintain it to Retain it - strict building control
7/ https://twitter.com/judesherry/status/1369413840425938945

Good homes have great infrastructure, one day it'll be a circular economy

But for now communal bins in urban areas are the way to go

No storing waste in my home or garden
No loud awakening at 5.30am, 6.30am & again 7.30am like we suffer on our 300 year old street in Cork
8/