Urban densification as a strategy for sustainability

Sprawl vs. density 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

AtlantaBarcelona Similar population size Similar length of metro system Share of population within 600m of metro station: Atlanta: 4 % Barcelona: 60 %

Transport UN-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 m 2 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: % Source: Temo, 2001

How many residents experience a lack of parks or nature? Area: Högdalen (Stockholm) Floor area ratio: % 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

How to densify?

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