Martire, Agustina

Skoura, Anna

The Gentle Densities report aims to investigate the potential of delivering mixed use and mixed tenure housing inBelfast through mid density interventions.In this report we explore the unsustainable nature of private high rise/highdensity proposals and public low rise current and future sprawl. We thereforepropose an alternative model of mid density that could bemore environmentally and socially sustainable by reducing travel distancesand concentrating services close to housing areas through mixed use.Firstly, this short report defines the concepts of gentle density, mixed use, mixed tenure and public participationthat can inform local housing policy. Secondly, it investigates a series of international models of gentle densityhousing that includes mixed tenure and mixed use, designed and delivered with some level of participatoryprocesses. We explore precedents in the form of three European urban plot and block models and 14 casestudies of current mixed use and mixed tenure housing with gentle density. These examples are models of thepotential density that could be reached in Belfast City centre and inner city, while maintaining a socio-economicmix and fostering an inclusive and accessible urban development. Finally, the report proposes a series of publicland locations in which these models could be developed in Belfast.This project is funded by the Department for Communities Housing and Regeneration divisions and by theQueen’s Engaged Research seed fund. This report was conducted by Dr Agustina Martire, principal investigatorand Anna Skoura, research assistant. It was developed with the collaboration of KOTO design and students ofthe StreetSpace studio in the Masters in Architecture (MArch) at Queen’s University Belfast. The StreetSpacestudio works in collaboration with Participation and the Practice of Rights (PPR) and other local non governmentorganisations who advocate for inclusive and just urban development.This report is meant to start a conversation about density in Northern Ireland. To properly test these models inNorthern Irish cities, significant partnerships and funding must follow up as a pathway for a sustainable future ofhousing in NI

Queen's University Belfast Research Portal

Gentle Densities: A report on the potential of sustainable gentle density, mixed use, mixed tenure and public participation in future housing in Belfast

Gentle Densities: A report on the potential of sustainable gentle density, mixed use, mixed tenure and public participation in future housing in Belfast

Abstract

Similar works

Full text

Available Versions

Queen's University Belfast Research Portal