Density

Density is hugely important in eco-city design.  More people living closer together means...

• walking, cycling and public transport become the preferred modes of transportation.

• a wider variety of shops and services can be supported near to homes.

• a more vibrant street life.

• public transport gets more riders so everyone gets a higher quality service.

• more of the surrounding countryside is left intact.

But build a city that is too dense and no one will want to live there.

Housing

A typical house is 2.5 storeys high, meaning 2 storey with usable attic space and dormer windows.

Most are either row houses or semi-detached houses with shared access ways, each with its own back garden and very small front garden.

Courtyard houses can provide almost total privacy, at the cost of smaller gardens.

It's expected that most residents would join a car club rather than owning their own cars, however houses with parking can also be arranged.

Apartments

The centres of the outer districts, and the whole of the larger, central district, are built to a higher density.

The vast majority of blocks range between 4.5 and 6 storeys high.  Paris is proof that high density does not require high-rise.

Each block is built around an interior courtyard, providing residents with access to shared green space.

Dual aspect apartments are located along the sides of the blocks, with offices at the corners.  The ground floor is mostly retail, but ground level apartments would be available for those that require them.

Most 4.5 storeys apartments are of the walk-up variety.  For taller buildings that require elevators, deck access still allows light and ventilation from both the fronts and backs of apartments.

Continue

Home