Visualizing Density Investigating the density challenge facing the United States
A Bird's Eye View
11. Building Up, Not Out
Single-story homes eat up green space by consuming a large proportion of each parcel. (Delano, CA-1.9 units/acre)
In designing for density, placing houses close together is important, but building vertically is essential. A two-story house provides the same living space with half the footprint. Given our penchant for large homes (the average new American house size is 2,200 sq. ft.), arranging single-story houses in a tighter pattern does not yield much density. Even at modest density levels (4-6 units per acre) it consumes an inordinate amount of open space. Building up rather than out not only allows higher densities, it offers opportunities to create significant green space.
Multi-story homes allow for more green space. (Dallas,TX-3.2 units/acre)
Stacking units on four levels helps raise the density above 20 units/acre with plenty of green to spare. (San Francisco, CA)