The Barbican, London
Summary
From the case study of Kowloon it shows it is possible to go too dense causing conflict and a poor living environment. Again Mi Casa is too dense as it creates disconnect from the street with limited private spaces and poor access to jobs. Furthermore Mi Casa has a monoculture of one house type which has a negative social impact but the facilities for the social groups within the site were excellent for theinhabitants. The Barbican again is too dense by having high rises and gated alleyways that lead to disconnect and poor vitality in the street.
Kowloon, China
Mi Casa, Chao Chu Kang, Singapore
Testing the principles
Citadel, Almere, Amsterdam
Emmen, Switzerland
The regeneration of Citadel in Almere seems to have the best balance with activity at street level but also private spaces above. The uses provided adjacent to each other lead to a balance and whilst there is a slight disconnect from the street at the upper levels this may be a balancing act that comes from urban living against access to facilities, jobs and private spaces. Furthermore any dwellings taller than 5 storeys still maintain a connection with the communal spaces below as there are raised communal areas.