Why Our Cities Are So Expensive
London is experiencing a construction boom, especially with luxury developments like the Battersea Power Station. While these projects offer economic benefits and jobs, they also contribute to rising housing costs, making it difficult for many Londoners to find affordable homes. The Battersea Power Station, a historic landmark, has been transformed into a new neighborhood with shops, offices, and luxury housing, but critics argue that such developments primarily serve the wealthy, leading to gentrification and displacement of existing communities. Despite promises of affordable housing, the actual number of affordable units often falls short, and the definition of 'affordable' has changed, making it less accessible for average incomes. This situation is not unique to London, as cities worldwide face similar housing crises, highlighting the need for governments to prioritize genuinely affordable housing and integrate existing communities into urban planning.
Key Vocabulary
Features or services that provide comfort, convenience, or pleasure. In the context of real estate, these often refer to facilities like gyms, pools, or communal spaces within a building or development.
Examples:
- The luxury apartment complex boasted a wide array of amenities, including a rooftop garden and a fitness center.
- When choosing a hotel, I always look for one with good amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and a complimentary breakfast.
- The new office building offers modern amenities designed to enhance employee well-being, like a quiet room and a healthy snack bar.
To become progressively worse; to decline in quality or condition.
Examples:
- Without proper maintenance, the old bridge began to deteriorate rapidly.
- His health started to deteriorate after a long period of stress and lack of sleep.
- If not addressed, the condition of the historic documents will continue to deteriorate.
Increased very rapidly and to a very high level.
Examples:
- The demand for vintage comic books has skyrocketed in recent years, driving up prices.
- After the company's new product launch, their stock value skyrocketed overnight.
- Fuel prices have skyrocketed, making it more expensive for many people to commute.
Clear, obvious, and often unpleasant or harsh; sharply contrasted.
Examples:
- The report presented a stark picture of the challenges facing the education system.
- There was a stark difference between the living conditions in the old and new parts of the city.
- The artist used stark lines and minimal color to convey a sense of isolation.
In a way that cannot be undone or altered; permanently.
Examples:
- Once the decision was made, the course of action was set irreversibly.
- The damage to the ancient artifact was unfortunately done irreversibly.
- Technological advancements have irreversibly changed how we communicate with each other.
Currently happening or in progress.
Examples:
- Preparations for the annual festival are already underway, with volunteers busy setting up.
- A major research project on renewable energy is currently underway at the university.
- The construction of the new public library is well underway and expected to be completed next year.
Used metaphorically to describe aggressive, ruthless, or predatory individuals, especially in business or finance.
Examples:
- He warned his friend to be careful when negotiating, as the other party were known as sharks in the industry.
- Many young entrepreneurs find it challenging to navigate a market filled with experienced sharks.
- The legal team was composed of sharp, aggressive lawyers, often referred to as sharks.
Prospering, flourishing, or growing vigorously.
Examples:
- The small business, which started in a garage, is now a thriving enterprise with multiple locations.
- Despite the economic downturn, the tech sector continued to be a thriving part of the economy.
- The garden was thriving, with colorful flowers and lush green plants.
Made by hand, not by machine, often implying a unique or artisanal quality.
Examples:
- She preferred to buy handmade pottery, appreciating the individual craftsmanship of each piece.
- The shop specialized in handmade chocolates, each one carefully crafted and decorated.
- His grandmother knitted him a beautiful handmade blanket for his birthday.
A place full of wonder or beauty; a magical or fantastical place.
Examples:
- During winter, the park transforms into a snowy wonderland, attracting many visitors.
- For a child, the toy store was an absolute wonderland, filled with endless possibilities.
- The botanical garden was a tropical wonderland, showcasing exotic plants from around the world.
In a way that considers the complete system or entire picture, rather than individual parts separately.
Examples:
- The doctor approached the patient's treatment holistically, considering their diet, lifestyle, and mental well-being.
- To solve the complex problem, we need to think holistically about all the interconnected factors.
- The urban planners aimed to develop the city holistically, integrating residential, commercial, and green spaces.
The act of expelling someone from a property, especially a tenant from rented premises.
Examples:
- The family faced eviction after falling behind on their rent payments.
- New laws were passed to protect tenants from unfair eviction by landlords.
- The notice of eviction gave them thirty days to vacate the apartment.
To grow or develop well; to prosper or flourish.
Examples:
- Plants need sunlight and water to thrive.
- Children tend to thrive in a supportive and nurturing environment.
- The new business is expected to thrive in the growing market.
One-wheeled vehicles used for carrying small loads, typically consisting of a tray, two handles, and a leg or legs.
Examples:
- The gardener used wheelbarrows to move soil and compost around the yard.
- Construction workers filled wheelbarrows with concrete and pushed them to the pouring site.
- He loaded the fallen leaves into wheelbarrows and transported them to the compost pile.
Serving as a temporary and often improvised substitute for something else.
Examples:
- They built a makeshift shelter from branches and tarpaulins to protect themselves from the rain.
- Without a proper table, they used a stack of boxes as a makeshift desk.
- The stranded travelers made a makeshift fire using dry twigs and leaves.
A tall cylindrical structure, typically used for storing grain. In a broader sense, it can refer to a system, process, department, etc., that operates in isolation from others.
Examples:
- The farm had several large silos for storing corn and wheat.
- The company struggled with communication because different departments operated in their own silos.
- Breaking down the data silos was crucial for getting a comprehensive view of customer behavior.
The state or quality of being rare; something that is uncommon or unusual.
Examples:
- In today's fast-paced world, finding genuine peace and quiet is a rarity.
- A perfectly preserved dinosaur fossil is a true rarity among archaeological discoveries.
- Due to overhunting, sightings of the majestic bird have become a rarity in the region.
In a way that is carefully planned to achieve a particular goal or advantage.
Examples:
- The chess player moved his pieces strategically to gain control of the center of the board.
- The company decided to strategically invest in emerging markets to expand its global presence.
- The general positioned his troops strategically to defend against the impending attack.
A leisurely walk, or to walk in a leisurely way.
Examples:
- After dinner, they often enjoy a leisurely stroll along the riverbank.
- She took a stroll through the park, enjoying the fresh air and sunshine.
- A morning stroll can be a great way to start the day feeling refreshed.
A person who owns their own home.
Examples:
- As a homeowner, she was responsible for all the repairs and maintenance of her property.
- Many young people aspire to become homeowners, but rising prices make it difficult.
- The neighborhood association is made up of concerned homeowners who want to improve their community.