Ask Lemmy

I mean, once we build a single monolithic glass and steel skyscraper to completely encase all the single family homes, we'll begin to exterminate their inhabitants, so they don't need to get in or out, you see?

Seriously - obviously you won't completely encase existing housing in other housing. Exactly how to create a productive, enjoyable environment for everyone will depend on the property, the owner, and what they want to use the space for. This is more art than science, and I certainly can't make universal declarations about how to best do it. But land is valuable because it can be put to productive uses - not just be expensive ornimentation. Of course, there is nothing wrong with ornimentation, so if you want your lawn to be a lawn, or artistic gravel, or whatever, then you are welcome to it. But a great many people, if they were freed legally, would take a great interest in what use the majority of their property could be put to for others' benefit and their own profit.

We need housing. We need small corner stores. We need neighborhood pubs. We need independently owned restaurants. We need art studios and workshops. We need gyms and daycares. We need so many things more than we need empty space on every parcel of land devoted exclusively to looking good (whatever your definition of "good" is).

And the thing is, if a land owner were to more fully develop their property - a small, blocky shop building in front built up to the street; a second residence in the back; a detached shed/workshop; and a space for a compact gypsy wagon, maybe to host guests - then what to do with the remaining "lawn" space would hardly be a question worth asking. Once a space has its landmarks and usefulness and is no longer a vast expanse of nothing, what to do with it becomes obvious. Put in small paths. Put some pavers down and add a pergola for an outdoor space. Put garden beds here, and some grass over there. Maybe a koi pond if you're ambitious.