Undeveloped land is a worldwide limited resource and fast growing cities are struggling to accommodate the rising housing demand without sprawling urban extensions.
European cities have historically been considered examples of sustainable urban density and, despite the recent debate on the relationship between urban compactness and unhealthiness, the advantage of proximity and reduced commuting times, has always been considered a positive asset.
However many of the European cities are not compact and could potentially accommodate their future development internally by densifying their left over space.
How compact are our cities? How much space is left to develop them within the current urban boundaries? We analysed the urban fabric of all European capitals to understand how many buildings do not reach the maximum building height defined by the local regulations. The model intentionally excludes variables like land use and building distances to provide an indication of the surface that could potentially be further developed vertically.
European cities have historically been considered examples of sustainable urban density and, despite the recent debate on the relationship between urban compactness and unhealthiness, the advantage of proximity and reduced commuting times, has always been considered a positive asset.
However many of the European cities are not compact and could potentially accommodate their future development internally by densifying their left over space.
How compact are our cities? How much space is left to develop them within the current urban boundaries? We analysed the urban fabric of all European capitals to understand how many buildings do not reach the maximum building height defined by the local regulations. The model intentionally excludes variables like land use and building distances to provide an indication of the surface that could potentially be further developed vertically.