High Density Forms in Contemporary Architecture

Herzog & de Meuron, 56 Leonard Street, New York
High-Density Forms in Contemporary

Architecture
Authors: BLDEA Maja, DUMITRESCU Cristian

.
Faculty of Architecture, "Politehnica" University of Timioara
Maja BLDEA, Cristian DUMITRESCU "Politehnica" University of Timioara 1/ 15
CE-PhD 2012, 4-7 November 2012, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Content
NODO, ANDO Andalucia Office,
eVolo competition
1. Introduction
2. Understanding the term density
2.1 The definition of density
2.2 The qualities of density
3. 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
4. Principles of high-density architecture design
5. Conclusions
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.
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.

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

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

Figure 3. The difference between the distribution of densities of people and buildings in the city of Timioara in 2011.
Source: Development Analysis I 13_Densities, General Urban Plan of Timioara, 2013 - Planwerk & Vitamin Architects
The distribution pattern of people or buildings can vary significantly, especially in the case
of a large scale reference unit.

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.

2.2. The qualities of density Michael Wolf photography
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
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

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.
3.2. Blocks
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: BLDEA Maja /// e-mail: maja_baldea@yahoo.com

DUMITRESCU Cristian

High Density Forms in Contemporary Architecture

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Herzog & de Meuron, 56 Leonard Street, New York

High-Density Forms in Contemporary

Authors: BLDEA Maja, DUMITRESCU Cristian

Source: wikipedia world population growth, april 2012.

2 Understanding the term density

Population density is a phenomenon related to the way in

People naturally tend to concentrate in areas with

Density itself is a complex concept, involving diversity in

2 Understanding the term density

High density can be:

physical density - density of people or built density.

perceived density - in relation to the environment and to

2 Understanding the term density

Figure 1. Building density

Measurements commonly used to describe

There is no universal formula for density in

2 Understanding the term density

2 Understanding the term density

2 Understanding the term density

Dense environments have dual connotations:

positive aspects compactness, reducing land

Quality is the most significant feature of dense built

3 Formal typologies of dense residential architecture

Asaf Dali, eVolo

Collective or mass housing:

it draws its name from the way in which the building is

3 Formal typologies of dense residential architecture

3 Formal typologies of dense residential architecture

4 Principles of high density architecture design

The major design principles to be followed in high density

social generating flexible or neutral spaces that allow

The major design principles can be stated clearly. Their

maximize benefits of high density

This is a study of definitions of density as well as of design

High-Density Forms in Contemporary

Authors: BLDEA Maja /// e-mail: maja_baldea@yahoo.com

Maja BLDEA, Cristian DUMITRESCU "Politehnica" University of Timioara 15/ 15

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