Density

Abstract

Urban densityis a term used in urban planning and design to refer to the number of people inhabiting a given urbanized area.Densityandcompactnessare two closely related, but different, criteria relevant for the transformation of cities to become more resilient to climate change. While a high degree of compactness is desirable, too much density can be detrimental to liveability, health, and social well‐being. More compact cities are an advantage and will help in curbing urban sprawl, but a consolidated urban form requires urban infill at densities that support compact self‐reliant districts and mixed‐use neighborhoods. The social dimension of such density increase is likely to be a future challenge and face community resistance.