The demand for living space in our country has grown to large proportions. Vacant land continuously falls prey to a housing project or is put to commercial use. More recently, the penchant for unending economic growth is being checked by an awakened concern for protection of the environment. Anti-growth movements are now an active part of many city councils and planning commissions. Yet there remains the serious question of meeting the continuing demand for living space. According to Lane Marshall, "Nationwide, it must be recognized that, by the end of the century, an additional 22 million people will need living space."

The American solution to many problems is innovation and compromise. Marshall observes, "Our traditional land use policies are dead set against higher densities. The primary thrust of urban growth policy is outward from the center in concentric rings." Marshall answers the living space need by suggesting the use of higher densities, but adds that higher densities must be implemented in such a way as to provide a greater degree of quality living. This is, in fact, precisely what has been taken into consideration since the late 70s in planning developments.