Housing: Strategies for Urban Redensification

Redensification is a corrective measure to the failing expansionist approach to urban planning, offering case studies of alternative social housing projects from the past century. These projects have offered solutions to countries experiencing intense population growth and provided sanctuary for those who have lost their homes in natural disasters.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2024
Publisher: Arquine

This comprehensive reader presents a thought-provoking exploration of innovative alternatives to the detrimental expansionist urban housing model. It assumes that the relentless expansion of the urban periphery has not only harmed urban populations but also posed significant threats to the planet. The focus is on the critical issue of land scarcity, recognizing that the ceaseless consumption of valuable land resources is detrimental to the environment.

Housing emerges as the key solution to address the shortcomings of the expansionist approach to urban planning. The reader showcases a collection of case studies featuring alternative social housing projects from the past century. These projects encompass a wide range of designs, from the iconic Weißenhofsiedlung Estate (1927) to architectural experiments in suburban Mexico as recent as 2017.

What sets these alternative developments apart is their commitment to redensification, a strategy aimed at revitalizing urban spaces and enhancing the quality of life for residents. By incorporating various methods of redensification, such as mixed-use buildings, green infrastructure, and community engagement, these projects offer practical solutions to countries experiencing rapid population growth. They also provide refuge and support to individuals who have lost their homes due to natural disasters.

Through these case studies, the reader gains a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between urban housing and modernism. The projects showcased demonstrate that the problem of urban housing is intricately linked to the origins and evolution of modernist architectural and urban planning principles. They highlight the need for a more sustainable and inclusive approach to urban development that balances economic growth, social well-being, and environmental conservation.

In conclusion, this reader serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, urban planners, and community leaders seeking to address the challenges of urban housing. It provides a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for designing and implementing innovative solutions that promote sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities. By embracing alternative approaches to urban planning, we can create a future where cities are not only thriving but also sustainable and resilient to the changing needs of our planet.

Dimension: 165 x 114 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9786078880232