Up In The Air: a history of high rise Britain

At Tower Blocks UK, we aim to provide valuable insights and resources for anyone interested in the issues surrounding high-rise residential buildings. That's why we want to recommend Up in the Air by Holly Smith, a historian and advisor to TBUK, published by Verso Press. This book offers a thoughtful look at Britain's multistorey council housing, telling the story of these buildings through the experiences of the people who live in them.

In Up in the Air, Holly examines the history of high-rise living, tracing its journey from the early days to the present. She covers significant events, including the tragic collapse of Ronan Point in 1968 and the impact it had on high-rise safety regulations. Holly shares various stories of resilience, including how community groups formed to advocate for better living conditions and safety in tower blocks, referencing our work with the National Tower Blocks Network in the 1980s and 1990s, which helped highlight these important issues.

The book also looks at modern challenges, such as attempts to defend estates from demolition in recent years, and emphasises the ongoing fight for housing justice. For those concerned about high-rise safety and the welfare state, Up in the Air is a vital read that connects past struggles to the current situation.

On Friday, October 31st, Holly held a launch event at the iconic Golden Lane estate, which we had the pleasure of attending.

Tower Blocks UK: Liz Lowe, Holly Smith, Danielle Gregory

We believe this book provides essential insights for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of high-rise living. It’s a powerful reminder of the human stories behind these buildings and the importance of community advocacy. We encourage you to check out Up in the Air - it’s an engaging and informative read that resonates with the work we continue to do at Tower Blocks UK.