Relevance

Densification implies to deal with the already built environment. Planning therefore takes place within a tight web of existing rights and duties engraved in complex institutional norms and regulation. Potential for redevelopment projects is often given, but the land is frequently not accessible. It is particularly difficult for planning administrations to fight against hoarding strategies. Planning administrations can develop strategies to reinforce their position. We refer to these strategies as “land policy”.

Densification is a contested process because of its redistributive effects: for some, it can potentially lead to more traffic, more noise, loss of green surfaces, loss of view, greater clienteles for common services, and higher housing costs. Densification therefore needs to be appraised as a political field and its socio-political consequences on different categories of stakeholders and their responses need to be analyzed carefully in order to promote social sustainability. 

 GoverDense examines how project-based planning contributes to streamline the implementation of densification objectives. Project-based planning refers to the application of management principles within local planning processes to increase effectiveness and actually achieve desired spatial outcomes, including retaining urban quality for all.