A mind map of the various issues surrounding high density environments in urban locations was undertaken in order to have a starting point for the investigation. It was as follows.

Neighbourhoods that are sustainable are balanced socially with a diversity of uses that are linked to the wider city region through sustainable transport modes. They are pedestrian dominated and ecologically responsive with the inclusion of green space networks that promote aesthetic identity and varied densities that adapt to new needs. This culminates in the provision of opportunities for active and frequent participation with the community(Barton et al, 2011). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A good density is not necessarily high or low density but is an area with a vested interest in the welfare of the urban fabric and urban experience with the ability to influence decisions. These are all factors that make an attractive place to live. Higher densities are generally considered to be more sustainable than lower densities, because they make more efficient use of the land, infrastructure and services and reduce dependency on public transport. (Tarbatt, 2012). The ideal density makes cities liveable but it is not a hard and fast ratio or number. It is a way to facilitate high levels of wellbeing through

 living in concentrated areas of economic activity, workplaces and services (Boyko, 2014).

 

Sustainable population levels depend on waste disposal, transport and social infrastructure, and work opportunities (Roaf, 2010). Access to these facilities through the provision of high density developments should not be located in a suburban or peri-urban setting as the densities would be unsustainable (Dalziel & Qureshi Cortale, 2012). These competing objectives, including a concern for sustainability can sometimes lead to town cramming (Tarbatt, 2012). If people are to have a decent standard of living an effective and optimal density needs to be established. However this optimum density is not necessarily a physical number but based on the facilities and provision that are able to be applied within a certain area based on access and climate, etc.

 

Intensification creates a more efficient usage of land by making the built form more dense and compact with a variety of landuses. The intensification of built form enables the use of sustainable travel through walking, cycling and public transport as services and amenities are closer together. It also allows the possibility to improve social wellbeing and cohesion. Intensity is related to people and activities rather than buildings. It can be measured in terms of resident population per hectare also, workers per hectare, visitors per hectare, pedestrian flow or traffic (Barton, Grant, & Guise, 2011). For the purposes of this report the measurement of people per hectare will be used.