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High-Density Living Impacts

High-density living has been viewed as a key strategy to manage urban growth and is becoming an increasing feature of city plans. In this on-line guide, ‘high-density’ is defined as 30 or more dwellings per hectare and includes flats, units, apartments, terraces, villas and townhouses.

In urban centres in Australia, such as South-East Queensland and the regions surrounding Perth, Sydney and Melbourne, high density living is viewed as a key strategy to manage urban growth and minimise the negative impacts of urban sprawl [1] [2]. A range of researchers have explored the impacts of high density living highlighting benefits relating to efficient use of land, reduced reliance on automobiles and enhanced social interaction [3] [4].  This form of living, however, has also received criticism from those in favour of ‘traditional suburban’ lifestyles [5] as well as in relation to potential impacts such as noise, limited space and overcrowding [6] [7].

References

1. Queensland Department of Infrastructure and Planning, South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009 - 2031. 2009, Queensland Government: Brisbane.

2. Australian Greenhouse Office. Reducing greenhouse emissions through planning and urban design: what local government can do.  2002  [cited 1 September 2005]; Available from: http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/local/reduction/planning/index.html.

3. Freeman, L., The effects of sprawl on neighbourhood social ties. Journal of the American Planning Association, 2001. 67(1): p. 69-77.

4. Burton, E., The compact city: just or just compact? A preliminary analysis. Urban Studies, 2000. 37(11): p. 1969 - 2006.

5. Troy, P.N., The perils of urban consolidation. 1996, Sydney: Federation Press.

6. Collie, M., The case for urban consolidation. Australian Planner, 1990. 28: p. 26-33.

7. Australian Government Department of Environment and Heritage, Australia State of the Environment 2006: Independent report to the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment and Heritage. 2006, Australian State of the Environment Committee: Canberra.