Urban Models

Housing Density

Even though residential areas are all zoned for the same purpose, they can look and function differently depending on the density of the housing they contain, there are three kind of housing density: low, middle, high


Low-Density

Residential areas composed of a small number of dwellings, each with its own ample amount of space (ex. subdivisions)

Benefits

  • Outdoor space for recreation

  • Privacy

  • Less noise

  • Less traffic

Drawbacks

  • Lack access to public transport.

  • Heavy reliance on cars (pollution)

  • Possible de facto segregation

Middle Density

Residential areas that feature semi-attached homes on smaller plots of land (ex. townhomes, low rise apartment buildings)

Benefits

  • Better walkability & access to services than low

  • More quiet and privacy than high

Drawbacks

  • Potentially prohibitive costs for the average person


High-Density

Residential areas with a high number of dwellings that are attached to one another (ex. high rise apartments) 

Benefits

  • Good walkability & access to public transportation

  • More cultural/ entertainment offerings

Drawbacks

  • Overcrowding

  • Lack of privacy

  • High noise levels

Models