high density forms in contemporary architecture

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Authors: BÂLDEA Maja, DUMITRESCU Cristian………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….Faculty of Architecture, "Politehnica" University of Timișoara

High-Density Forms in Contemporary

Architecture

"Politehnica" University of TimișoaraMaja BÂLDEA, Cristian DUMITRESCU

Herzog & de Meuron, 56 Leonard Street, New York

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Content

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


1. Introduction2. Understanding the term density

2.1 The definition of density2.2 The qualities of density

3. Formal typologies of dense residential architecture 3.1 Houses 3.2 Blocks 3.3 City Blocks3.4 High-Rise Buildings3.5 Mixed Solutions

4. Principles of high-density architecture design5. Conclusions

NODO, ANDO Andalucia Office, eVolo competition

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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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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

Figure 1. Building 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.

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

Source: Development Analysis I 13_Densities, General Urban Plan of Timișoara, 2013 - Planwerk & Vitamin Architects

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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.

Figure 4. Population density gradient for an abstract case.

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2.2. The qualities of density

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”.

Michael Wolf photography – Hong Kong

Kamvari Architects, Green Catalysts

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3 Formal typologies of dense residential architecture



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

Asaf Dali, eVolocompetition

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3.2

. Blo

cks

A typological classification of contemporary collective housing models:

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.

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3.3

. Cit

y b

lock

s

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.

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4 Principles of high density architecture design



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

Herzog & de Meuron, 56 Leonard Street, New York – 145 unique residences

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5 Conclusions



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.

Yan Jie Chen and Camille John, Evolo competition

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Authors: BÂLDEA Maja /// e-mail: [email protected] Cristian

High-Density Forms in Contemporary

Architecture

Maja BÂLDEA, Cristian DUMITRESCU "Politehnica" University of Timișoara

Herzog & de Meuron, 56 Leonard Street, New York

high density forms in contemporary architecture

Design

dense residential

major design

dense environments

de meuron

timioaramaja

56 leonard

3 formal typologies

cristian dumitrescu