The strongest case for urban density can't be made in terms of aesthetics, according to this article.
Writing for Full Stack Economics, Alan Cole brings mathematics to bear on the contested ground between urban and the suburban. Proponents tend to make the case for either end of the development spectrum with appeals to aesthetics, according to Cole, but the strongest case in support of urban density can be made with math.
"The biggest virtues of denser cities flow from ironclad principles of geometry and arithmetic—along with some basic economic concepts," writes Cole.
Cole cites the affordability of housing (i.e., supply and demand), the geometry of travel distances, and the space disadvantage of cars to build this mathematical argument, which can be read in full at the link below.
FULL STORY: The strongest case for urban density isn’t aesthetics, it’s math
The Trouble With QUIMBY
The idea of “quality urbanism in my back yard” has its uses, but should not be used to limit housing supply.
An Urbanist Agenda for Education
An opinion article by Angie Schmitt addresses the neglect of education policy in the urbanist political platform, and proposes two specific education policy goals for urbanists to get behind.
Public Perceptions of Sprawl and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Urban density has a bad reputation.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)