Owning or operating a multifamily building means staying on top of the trends residents are seeking. But you also have to keep an eye on the world of architects and urban planners, because their actions and ideas significantly affect the built environment and how properties are managed. Today, city planners are talking about the benefits of urban density. But what is urban density exactly, and how does it affect you?
In this post, we explain what urban density is and why it’s increasing. Then, we share a few ways you can adapt your property to increasing density.
This post covers:
- What is urban density?
- Why is urban density increasing?
- How can you adapt your property to increasing urban density?
What is urban density?
Urban density refers to the number of people and businesses in a given area. When density is higher, cities are more efficient. This means residents enjoy benefits such as walkability, micromobility, and sustainability.
Urban density can be measured in several ways. When city planners talk about density, they’re referring to either the number of people or the number of buildings in a given amount of space. Either way, density is increasing: Today, 82% of people in North America live in urban areas. Worldwide, 55% of the population lives in urban areas, and the UN projects that another 2.5 billion people will live in urban areas by 2050.
High-density urban areas stand in sharp contrast to low-density urban areas. In a low-density suburban area, car usage is almost a requirement. And where car usage is required, residents must also contend with significant greenhouse gas emissions, car maintenance, insurance costs, gas costs, and an increased risk of car accidents.
Why is urban density increasing?
Urban density is increasing because younger generations, like millennials and Gen Z, are attracted to the car-free economic and cultural opportunities that come with living in high-density urban areas.
During the 20th century, the popularization of cars changed the structure of city living. Because people got used to using cars to get around, urban planners prioritized car mobility over the day-to-day of people’s lives in cities. This led to inefficient, low-density sprawl. However, a generational pushback against this trend is seeing young people ditch cars and move to walkable cities.
Dense urban areas are more walkable, which offers significant benefits. Businesses, residences, and other institutions are clustered very closely together. Anybody living in a high-density urban area has easy access to schools, jobs, and cultural and recreational opportunities.
Urban density has other benefits, as well. It makes public transportation more accessible and efficient. Additionally, people living in high-density, walkable areas are more physically active and at lower risk of chronic diseases. Finally, urban density and sustainability go hand in hand: More public transport use increases sustainability, as does concentrating people’s activities in one space, which makes it easier to preserve surrounding natural areas.
How can you adapt your property to increasing urban density?
Now that you know what urban density is and why it’s increasing, you’re prepared to adjust your property to handle those changes.
With a few adaptations, you can contribute to density yourself. And while density has many benefits, your property will stand out if you also position it as a refuge from common urban problems like overcrowding, a lack of natural elements, and pollution.
Here’s how you can adapt your property to a high-density urban environment:
- Convert your property for mixed-use
- Let residents use your rooftop
- Embrace biophilic design principles
1. Convert your property for mixed-use
By hosting both residential and commercial tenants in the same building, you’ll improve the walkability of your neighborhood and increase density. A mixed-use property will attract residents and commercial tenants alike, and thriving neighborhoods cater to both.
Give your residents the chance to contribute to the local economy and the vibrancy of their neighborhood, which will reflect positively on your own property values.
2. Let residents use your rooftop
Rooftop access is a coveted outdoor amenity sought by many urban residents. Giving your residents a space to access fresh air and sunlight will set your property apart from others that haven’t prepared for a rise in density.
You have many options for customizing your rooftop for residential use. Community gardens and coworking spaces are popular choices that allow rooftop or other outdoor spaces to address different aspects of residents’ lives.
3. Embrace biophilic design principles
Biophilic design emphasizes natural elements such as plants, fresh air, running water, and sunlight. It’s a strategy used to establish a connection between nature and the buildings where we live and work.
Architects and urban designers are already using biophilic design elements to build the next generation of skyscrapers. And you can use those same principles to improve the resident experience.
Providing your residents with an easy way to access fresh air and sunlight through rooftop access is one way to follow biophilic design principles. You could also add fixtures like potted plants or plant walls. These will allow residents to connect with nature even when indoors.
Learn how ButterflyMX improves the resident experience:
Takeaways
In conclusion, urban density offers benefits that positively impact every aspect of city life. Today’s emphasis on density in urban design will have a fundamental impact on how city residents live, work, and relax.
Now that you know how to anticipate the shift to denser cities, you can take steps to ensure that your property stands out as one of the best ways for residents to experience high-density urban life.
