The city of the future is a city that reaches for the sky. As populations grow, cities grow to accommodate them, and the sprawling trend of cities expanding outwards is becoming less and less sustainable. The solution? Building upwards!
From easier transportation and access to amenities to affordable housing, there are many benefits to building upwards instead of outwards. It’s time for cities to grow up!
The Case for Urban Density
City density is not the enemy; in fact, density provides a means to live closer together, share resources, have access to amenities, save energy, and more. In cities that are facing housing shortages, urban density increases the housing supply in a smart and affordable way. Skyscrapers are not only better and more spacious overall than mid-rise apartment buildings, but also cost less per square foot to build.
There are a number of other issues that building upwards can address as well. Urban density decreases the need for vehicles and highway traffic, and reduces rush hour time. Close-knit buildings also save water because it doesn’t have to travel as far to get to people. If these points weren’t convincing enough, urban density is also much more environmentally sustainable than urban sprawl.
Combating Urban Sprawl
Urban sprawl occurs when cities build outwards instead of upwards in an effort to accommodate rapid growth and a rising need for housing. The temptation to build outwards stems from poor planning, consumer preference, and the appearance of affordability. However, urban sprawl has a hefty environmental and economic cost because it both reduces available farmland and diminishes the green space that contributes to water absorption. When cities expand outwards, the distance between people’s homes and the city center increases, which results in more cars, longer commutes, and more pollution. Urban density and building upwards can reduce the impact and need for urban sprawl.
So, who’s ready to reach for the sky?