Redesigning O Neill cylinders

"Alan Patrick" wrote:

>In the early days of setting up "strong economies" standards of living are
>often appallingly bad, especially in start up colonies whether they be
>economic, military or social in origin.

>I think its touchingly naive to think the early colonisers of space will
>build paradises...they will build functional stations that allocate the
>minimum space & energy to anyone and still function, much like ships are
>built today as the cost benefit is just not there.

This is true.

"ANTIcarrot" wrote:

>You don't make beds out of corrigated iron. If you treat workers like crap
>they'll quickly unionise and go on strike. It makes sense for the employers
>to make a reasonable effort to make the living enviroment pleasent.

>The first construction shack will be built like an oil-rigg of course. But
>the first O'Neil should at least have design-space for nicities. Installing
>them would be a good hobby for the workers.

This is also true. The first habitats will be purely functional, but when
people decide this is the place to settle down and raise families as opposed
to "work here for 10 years then take my saved-up pay back to Earth" then
they will want some parks and civic centers and such.