Regulating urban densification: what factors should be used?

Abstract

Urban densification is increasingly accepted as a necessity and is important for no-net land take. Densification occurs in many places, especially fast-growing cities with a combination of demographic change, economic pressure and large transport infrastructure projects. The costs and benefits of density require a nuanced understanding: potential direct, indirect and cumulative effects (environmental, economic and social), both onand off-site. The optimisation of densities implies a need to identify the conditions that can create the most value for the city, specify the places most appropriate for future inhabitants and activities, and promote spatial justice. The papers published in this special issue converge in depicting urban densification as a complex, nonlinear process, which has to be addressed at various scales. Multifactorial metrics of density are superior to aggregated ones because they offer a better understanding of the urban forms and how they are experienced by inhabitants and users. Both hard and soft densification have to be duly monitored and regulated if cities are to avoid overcrowding of places and buildings, which can be detrimental to urban resilience. The relation between urban densification and housing affordability is a critical factor that policymakers must address. JACQUES TELLERRegulating urban densification: what factors should be used? 303 Teller Buildings and Cities

The delivery of Cultural Ecosystem Services in urban forests of different landscape features and land use contexts

“…To eliminate the ecological impact of urban expansion, several cities have adopted planning policies dedicated to foster urban densification (Teller et al, 2021). However, urban densification can also profoundly impact cultural ecosystem services in the densified area (Andersson et al, 2020; Kyttä et al, 2013).…”

Land policy conflict profiles for different densification types: A literature-based approach

“…This kind of densification is often referred to as 'soft' densification. It is a bottom-up, individual-led process that allows people to adapt houses to their needs (Teller, 2021) and either reinvest in or capitalize on their property especially in suburban areas (e.g., Wiesel et al, 2013;Pinnegar et al, 2015;Touati-Morel, 2015). Type 4 densification is often about managing high levels of demand in already desirable places (Dunnning et al, 2020).…”

Moving towards repolarisation? The population trajectories of medium-sized towns in Lower Lombardy, Italy (2010‒2020)

“…As such, land take continues to be of concern to policymakers, not least because of its relationship with climate change (EEA 2006;Couch et al 2007;EEA-FOEN 2016;OECD 2018). In the cities, we are seeing the densification of settlements and the creation of new parks to improve environmental quality (Teller 2021). The situation is different in smaller towns, where land take is still high.…”