urban densification as a strategy for sustainability
TRANSCRIPT
Urban densification as a strategy for sustainability
Sprawl vs. density
• 10-20 persons/ha• Public transport is NOT viable• Walking and bicycle are not
attractive• Requires MUCH land and
energy
• 360 persons/ha• Public transport is viable• Encourages walking• Requires less land and
energy
Atlanta BarcelonaSimilar population size
Similar length of metro system
Share of population within 600m of metro station:Atlanta: 4 % Barcelona: 60 %
TransportUN-Habitat recommends: at least 150 persons/ha– Typical for
European inner city areas
– Main reason: Makes public transport feasible (shorter distances are of less importance)
Source: UNEP, 2008
Transport
• USA’s 125 largest cities: Doubling density
• Household travel CO2 emissions down by 48%• Residential energy consumption down by
35%• Household travel and residential energy
account for 42% of total U.S. CO2 emissions…
Source: Lee and Lee, 2014
Transport
Density alone is not enough!
Source: IPCC, 2013
Transport
Space for car parking
• Each spot: ~20 m2
• That’s a small apartment!• Encourage car pools!
What do people want?
• Access to restaurants, commerce, culture, etc.– Depends on
density of residents and work places (land use mix!)
What do people want?
• Closed structures– People like
courtyards– Suitable for
urban values
What do people want?
• Parks – Qualitative green
space, playgrounds and sports facilities
– Not just any green space
What do people want?
How many residents experience a lack of parks or nature?Area: Örby (Stockholm)
Floor area ratio: 0.2
40%
Source: Temo, 2001
How many residents experience a lack of parks or nature?Area: Högdalen (Stockholm)
Floor area ratio: 0.5
33%Source: Temo, 2001
How many residents experience a lack of parks or nature?
Area: Östermalm (Stockholm)
Floor area ratio: 2.0
4%Source: Temo, 2001
Other social and economic aspects
• People in denser areas walk more and are less overweight
• Density means lower costs for infrastructure• Density counteracts social segregation
– Proximity– Mix
Stormwater
Stormwater
How to densify?
How to densify?
How to densify?
How to densify?
THANK YOU