The Easiform construction system is proposed as a solution to balancing both demand for housing and new approaches to the living environment.

As children play on an estate, the purpose of a home is debated: it can be a place to live, a political pawn or a fundamental human right owed to people by society. New systems of building are required for new types of dwelling, priorities being economy, speed of construction and an ability to meet modern demands. The Easiform system is demonstrated - it is based on building up a concrete cavity wall by casting between movable steel shutters.

Historically, increasing standards of living have been paralleled by improved standards of building. Therefore, the history of architecture is in part a history of social progress, with houses a testimony to the age that produced them. In the modern age, it is important to plan the living environment in overall estates as well as in individual houses.

A mother gives her opinion on the planning of her estate, while a maintenance manager discusses the need for robust design to satisfy everyone (not least himself). A disabled woman describes her particular needs, and the desirability of living in a mixed community, with support provided where necessary.

Pete Seeger's song 'Little Boxes' is supposed to be satirical, but there is a case for defending the notion of "little boxes" as part of a flexible system, and one which is a highly responsible one in straitened economic times.