high density forms in contemporary architecture

Herzog & de Meuron, 56 Leonard Street, New York

High-Density Forms in Contemporary
Architecture
Authors:
BÂLDEA Maja, DUMITRESCU Cristian
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Faculty of Architecture, "Politehnica" University of Timișoara
Maja BÂLDEA, Cristian DUMITRESCU

"Politehnica" University of Timișoara

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CE-PhD 2012, 4-7 November 2012, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Content
NODO, ANDO Andalucia Office,
eVolo competition

1.
2.

3.

4.
5.

Introduction
Understanding the term density
2.1 The definition of density
2.2 The qualities of density
Formal typologies of dense residential architecture
3.1 Houses
3.2 Blocks
3.3 City Blocks
3.4 High-Rise Buildings
3.5 Mixed Solutions
Principles of high-density architecture design
Conclusions



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1 Introduction

Source: wikipedia – world population growth, april 2012.

The continuous growth of population is stressing out global resources, including the
physical space.
It is estimated that in the near future 2 out of 3 people will live in cities.
In this context, dense environments are the most viable models for the future. Finding
new ways to design quality high density built environments is a necessity.


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2 Understanding the term density

Population density is a phenomenon related to the way in
which population is distributed on the land surface.
People naturally tend to concentrate in areas with
desirable conditions. Their distribution on land is uneven.
“Density“ itself is a complex concept, involving diversity in
terms.


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2.1. The definition of density

High density can be:
 physical density - density of people or built density.
It is a numeric measure, objective, quantitative, neutral.
It makes sense only in relation to a reference scale.

 perceived density - in relation to the environment and to
other participants. An individual perception of:
- people present in a given area
- the vacant space and its organization


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Figure 1. Building density

Measurements commonly used to describe
physical density:
 building density – determining urban form
 population density – in relation to built form
There is no universal formula for density in
relation to the built environment.

Figure 2. Population density

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Figure 3. The difference between the distribution of densities of people and buildings in the city of Timișoara in 2011.
Source: Development Analysis I 13_Densities, General Urban Plan of Timișoara, 2013 - Planwerk & Vitamin Architects

The distribution pattern of people or buildings can vary significantly, especially in the case
of a large scale reference unit.


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Figure 4. Population density gradient for an abstract case.

Variation of density gradients over time: (a) progressive
decentralization; (b) centralization.

To solve the spatial variation of density, different measures have been introduced:
 density gradient - the rate in which density decreases in relation to a reference
location. It can depict the spatial evolution of the city, by comparing density patterns
over time.


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Michael Wolf photography
2.2. The qualities of density
– Hong Kong

Dense environments have dual connotations:
 positive aspects – compactness, reducing land
occupation, transport and network distances and energy
use; intensified social relationships and communication
 negative aspects – noise, lack of intimacy, crowding and
stress
Quality is the most significant feature of dense built
environments. Rudy Uytehnhaak: “without sufficient
quality, density does not work – it even becomes
dangerous”.
Kamvari Architects, Green
Catalysts


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3 Formal typologies of dense residential architecture

Asaf Dali, eVolo
competition

Collective or mass housing:
 it draws its name from the way in which the building is
accessed, namely by a common path for all units
 it is defined by quantity
 it has closely grouped housing units
it houses large numbers of people
 it contains spaces of variable public character

"Politehnica" University of Timișoara 10/ 15


A typological classification of contemporary collective housing models:

3.2. Blocks

A transition from the individual housing unit to the collective housing of higher density.
Obtained by multiplying, joining or overlapping a single house unit.

Blocks have a moderate height (3-5 levels), a flexible ground footprint and a medium scale,
which allow a good relation to the context.



3.3. City blocks


Urban buildings flanked on all sides by streets, in relation to the urban scale. They involve a high
degree of privacy and a good energy footprint.

Tall buildings with multiple levels, justified by economy of construction costs, infrastructure and
land use. The stacked units block is the most interesting type that could generate spatial quality.

They involve combinations of the above, justified by context and project brief.



4 Principles of high density architecture design
– 145 unique residences

The major design principles to be followed in high density
architectural design are:

 social – generating flexible or neutral spaces that allow
greater freedom of use and ability to adapt to changes
 environmental – sustainable use of resources: land,
energy, fuel, greenery
 urban – integrating the object into its context and
generating balanced relations to the public space
 spatial quality – diversity, granulation



5 Conclusions
Yan Jie Chen and Camille John,
Evolo competition

The major design principles can be stated clearly. Their
sum determines an integrated design strategy that can:

 maximize benefits of high density
 avoid social or environmental problems
This is a study of definitions of density as well as of design
principles for high density future residential
environments.



High-Density Forms in Contemporary
Architecture
Authors:


BÂLDEA Maja /// e-mail: maja_baldea@yahoo.com
DUMITRESCU Cristian

high density forms in contemporary architecture

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