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High Density Families

Part 2 Project 2011
Robert Gordon University | UK
Forecasts for 2050 predict that the world’s population will reach more than 10 billion, with the majority of people living in cities. In the UK however the apparent dream of families is to live in a house in the
country, not the city.

Many settle for a distortion of this dream, living in suburbs of mass-produced housing, which only contribute to the global problems of urban sprawl. If population continues to increase as predicted, it will become increasingly important for us to live at higher densities. Currently, high-density housing suffers from a negative perception. This project attempts to alter the perception of high density living by addressing these issues, and creating an attractive place for families to live within the city.

This negative perception is often associated with run down high rise tower-blocks from the 60’s & 70’s,therefore this project focuses on a low-rise proposal, on the site of an existing tower block, creating a
blanket of development that covers the whole site. The proposed development contains more dwellings than the existing building, in a series of 3-4 storey units containing compact homes.

The site is arranged around a framework of streets and courtyards, treating the spaces between buildings just as importantly as the houses themselves. In order to make the scheme attractive to families, each dwelling has its own private outdoor space, featuring a garden, courtyard or balcony. For increased
privacy, each dwelling also has its own front door, accessed directly from the street outside. The dwellings have also been designed to comply with the governments ‘zero carbon’ agenda by being designed with
high levels of insulation to meet the passivhaus energy efficiency standards.

The close-knit streets and semi-private courtyards give the development a unique sense of place. As well as this, the layout gives residents the privacy they require and provides opportunities for them to socialise
with their neighbours. These spaces are also ideal for children for children to play in and feel safe, making the development an ideal place for family living in the city centre.


2011
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