High Density Forms in Contemporary Architecture
High Density Forms in Contemporary Architecture
High Density Forms in Contemporary Architecture
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
Maja BLDEA, Cristian DUMITRESCU "Politehnica" University of Timioara 2/ 15
CE-PhD 2012, 4-7 November 2012, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
1 Introduction
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.
Maja BLDEA, Cristian DUMITRESCU "Politehnica" University of Timioara 3/ 15
CE-PhD 2012, 4-7 November 2012, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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.
Maja BLDEA, Cristian DUMITRESCU "Politehnica" University of Timioara 7/ 15
CE-PhD 2012, 4-7 November 2012, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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.
Maja BLDEA, Cristian DUMITRESCU "Politehnica" University of Timioara 8/ 15
CE-PhD 2012, 4-7 November 2012, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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.
Maja BLDEA, Cristian DUMITRESCU "Politehnica" University of Timioara 11/ 15
CE-PhD 2012, 4-7 November 2012, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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.
Maja BLDEA, Cristian DUMITRESCU "Politehnica" University of Timioara 12/ 15
CE-PhD 2012, 4-7 November 2012, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
5 Conclusions
Yan Jie Chen and Camille John,
Evolo competition