Shifting the Density Discourse: The Future of Soft Density

This study by UCL Sustainability Lab, Mott MacDonald, and the ΙStructE explores the factors influencing the sustainability of the built environment in its urban ecosystem. The research extends beyond structural engineering to a holistic view of sustainable urban development. With more than half of the global population living in urban areas, effective sustainable urban densification strategies must be deployed to address multiple climate and housing challenges. This project aims to bridge disciplinary gaps in the built environment sector, identify characteristics of sustainable urban ecosystems, and establish a guide for integrating urban development with sustainability. Focusing on transportation, green spaces, and carbon emissions, the research suggests soft-density strategies as optimal, highlighting the necessity of a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach that avoids one-size-fits-all solutions.