Juxtapositions of Density: A Study of the Relationship of Urban Form to Abrupt Variations in Density

Abstract

The growth of high density developments outside city centers can create juxtapositions of high-rise and low-rise buildings, producing problems related to building height and bulk, differing scales, and solar and shadow effects. Understanding how these juxtapositions operate is vital in order to comprehend the problems which arise from them and to inform policies which seek to mitigate the issues they can create. This research paper asks the question: How do juxtapositions of high-rise development and low-rise neighborhoods operate in terms of urban form, and how can empirical evidence of urban form be used to re-solve the problems inherent with these situations? This question will be answered by a comprehensive review of the regulatory responses to these conditions and empirical research through a review of case studies that feature these juxtapositions.