Densification of cities as a method of sustainable development

Abstract

Abstract The way of the Earth’s resources are used is one of the basic elements determining the quality of today’s economy. Problems related to the urbanization are among the main areas affecting the preservation of development potential for the future generations, which from the start have been taken into account in the doctrine of sustainable development. The growth of the human population and also civilizational transformations require an increase in the volume of buildings and urban areas, which is an inherent part of the development. However, it is important in what way the development of the built environment takes place. The problem of urban sprawl occurs globally not only in regions with high and increasing population density, but also in regions with a declining population, e.g. in Europe. The urban sprawl reflects an inappropriate and unsustainable way of using the environment and its resources, not only depleting the Earth’s natural assets and reducing ecosystems, but also adversely affecting people’s quality of life and health, and contributing to the social problems. This creates specific requirements for a spatial policy regulating not only the design and implementation of new cities and settlements, but also the management of already urbanised areas, which are also undergoing development and transformation processes affecting on the way they are used on. The article focuses on a strategy of densification of cities, as a method of ensuring their sustainable development allowing better use of the potential of the natural assets which are already being exploited, and to reduce the need for new resources. Four methods of densification the urban areas were distinguished and characterised: - increasing the efficiency of the use of the existing buildings by transforming their functions (changing functions, adapting unused space), - building up on free spaces in the city (construction, extension, infill), - transforming space below and over existing buildings (downward and upward extensions), - replacement of existing buildings (demolition of existing and construction of new buildings). Advantages and disadvantages of the relevant methods were discussed and the determinants for their application were defined. In each case, in order to use the methods of urban densification, it is necessary to perform a proper diagnosis of the initial situation and prediction of a development scenario and also appropriate formal regulations allowing for densification within the limits set by the sustainability criteria. Reasonable densification of cities or their parts is an important and effective way to support sustainable development.