Playing with density
Threshold Values of Important Spatial Quantities and their Effect on Spatial Quality, Using Central Switzerland as an Example
The sustainable approach to the non-renewable resource of land is a constitutional responsibility for spatial planning. At the same time, the failure to implement Swiss spatial planning laws can be observed in multitudinous places.
In order to address the unbridled urbanisation and its negative effects on the environment from a planning point of view, new and differentiated strategies for spatial development in larger areas of spatial and functional cohesion are necessary. Under the application of the minimum strategy ‘redevelopment before new development’ the definition of spatial density gains a central role.
In the Swiss Plateau, the most densely populated part of Switzerland, these processes are at their most dynamic. At the same time, long-term investments in infrastructure have been planned for the area. Spatial planning is being challenged to set processes in motion that can create definitions for qualitative density that go beyond the formal rules and standards. The purpose of this research is the development of a tailor-cut procedure to attain spatial density by increased utilisation of this predominantly built-up region.
Together with the evaluation of the built stock, areas are being selected that qualify for a modest structural redensification. These area-wide considerations are being combined with systematic testing procedures. The exploration and further development of the method of test design for the estimation of density potential is a vital part of the task.
This project was funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF).
Project duration
October 2011 - October 2014
Further information
external pagehttps://vdf.ch/playing-with-density.html