Density in Relation to Patterns of Built-forms (Case Study: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)

Abstract

Density is a critical typology in determining sustainable urban built-form patterns. Built-form<br />refers to the assemblage and arrangement of the building masses in a city reflecting the spatial layout of spaces.<br />The relationship between density and urban character is also based on at certain densities (thresholds). In a wider<br />sense, sustainable cities are a matter of density. Recent debates about the creation of more sustainable urban form,<br />compact cities have led to a renewed focus on issues of density. The argument is that high density high-rise with low<br />ground coverage or compact city form can offer a high quality of life while minimizing crime, possibility to provide<br />adequate amenities, green and open spaces, accessibility and space consumption. However, the relationships of density<br />and patterns built-form are not reasonably well developed and integrated into the urban design-planning processes<br />in developing countries cities like Addis Ababa. On the hand, not many studies have been undertaken with regard to<br />density in relation to patterns of built-forms.<br />Therefore, this study aims to explore density in relation to patterns of built-form in the process of planning & design<br />of urban spaces2. The analysis is based on the primary sources as well as secondary documents collected from the<br />concerned agencies and related references. The findings illustrate that high density high-rise with low ground coverage<br />patterns of built-forms can offer better possibilities for installing good spatial quality3 of urban spaces. It concludes<br />with an overview of emerging thinking/implications where further efforts are required in the future