Climate-resilient urban densification

Creating affordable housing

The housing shortage has been a constant fixture in the media for years. Cities and municipalities are struggling to provide affordable housing and are calling on policymakers to take action. This trend is being intensified by the steady influx of people into urban areas.

What can be done? A quick solution for increasing housing supply is urban densification.

This involves repurposing vacant land within existing developments into residential space. Densification can take many forms, such as adding storeys to existing buildings, extensions, closing gaps in residential blocks, infill development, or the general conversion of industrial and office spaces.

When it comes to urban densification, it is essential to keep a close eye on the microclimate within a residential neighbourhood.

Wind corridors, water features, and, above all, parks and green belts play a decisive role in this.

If green spaces and existing trees are reduced during the densification of a neighbourhood, the positive impact on the well-being of residents is also diminished.

Especially during the summer months, green spaces and trees make a vital contribution to regulating temperatures in built-up areas. Planting large trees can reduce the perceived temperature on hot days by as much as 20°C. Without shade, a 30°C day can easily feel like 45°C.

In an area planted with large trees, this perceived temperature drops to a comfortable 25°C. We help you make urban densification climate-resilient. Our focus is on three key factors: green space provision, green space design, and the degree of soil sealing in the affected areas.

With tree moving from Opitz International, you too can turn your residential neighbourhood into a green oasis.