The Role of High-Rise Buildings in Sustainable Urban Development: Challenges and Opportunities (case examples: Sydney, London, Shenzhen, San Francisco)
Subject Areas : Sustainable ArchitectureAslan Jonoubi 1 , حمید ماجدی 2 * , Farah Habib 3
1 - PhD student, Civil Engineering and Architecture and Art Faculty, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
2 - Professor, Civil Engineering and Architecture and Art Faculty, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
3 - Professor, Civil Engineering and Architecture and Art Faculty, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Keywords: Urban Development, Tall Buildings, Metropolises, Sustainable Development.,
Abstract :
Urban expansion towards the outskirts and the scattered development pattern have been identified as inefficient and unstable models, leading to a myriad of environmental, social, and economic challenges. This expansion results in excessive consumption of energy, water, and land, along with increased pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, it fosters social isolation and heavy reliance on personal vehicles, contributing to health issues such as obesity and related diseases. In response to these challenges, the "New Suburbanism" movement has emerged as a promising solution to reform urban development and spatial patterns. This movement aligns with new planning paradigms such as "transit-oriented development," smart growth, and new urbanism. The core principles of these approaches include mitigating the negative impacts of scattered development, reducing car traffic, and integrating mixed-use into buildings. Additionally, denser developments are advocated as a more sustainable alternative to dispersed growth. "New Suburbanism" specifically addresses the needs of the younger generation who aspire to live in city centers but face financial constraints in acquiring or renting housing there. Research indicates that high-rise buildings on city outskirts, when clustered and located along public transportation corridors, can achieve better efficiency and performance. For instance, major cities like Toronto are reconfiguring their public transportation networks to synchronize with high-rise clusters. Studies reveal that high-density high-rise buildings near public transportation stations enhance walkability and create vibrant urban spaces. These clusters, by fostering mixed-use diversity and forming bustling economic hubs, can attract a wide range of groups and increase population density.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Over the past fifty years, urban growth and development have predominantly shifted towards the suburbs, resulting in the construction of numerous low-rise buildings on the city outskirts. This trend underscores the critical need to address sustainability issues in metropolitan areas.The post-World War II reconstruction era spurred rapid urbanization and economic growth. However, this trend has led to several consequences, including the emergence of large, faceless residential complexes, expansive industrial and commercial areas on city fringes, and shopping malls surrounded by vast parking lots and urban highways.
Methodology
This study investigates the increasing trend of high-rise construction over the past twenty years and examines the role of vertical density in sustainable development through case studies of metropolitan cities. Extensive research exists on suburban sprawl and the pathology of such developments. Additionally, much research has focused on tall buildings, their role in new developments, and innovative construction technologies. This study specifically explores how these tall buildings are positioned relative to one another and to the city as a whole.
Results and discussion
Within less than a decade, the negative impacts of suburban sprawl have become apparent: prolonged urban commutes between home and work, economic and social segregation, and underfunded institutions struggling to support the growing number of marginalized groups. Idealistic visions of bridging the gap between home and work, restoring suburban spaces, and integrating communities have proven to be unattainable fantasies.Urban hierarchies have emerged as a result of the specialization of urban activities and spaces. Prominent activities tend to cluster in more desirable cities and locations, driving up land prices. This dynamic shapes the new urban landscape, influencing architecture and urban planning. Consequently, simpler economic activities are pushed to the outskirts (small and medium-sized cities, suburbs, and the peripheries of large cities), displacing low-income workers and families. Contemporary urban transformation has been driven by this force of displacement from city centers.There is a general consensus that current urban sprawl models are inefficient and unsustainable, contributing to various environmental, social, and economic problems. These include long networks of streets, scattered shopping plazas, and large box-like stores, all results of unchecked urban expansion and dispersion. This land-use pattern leads to excessive consumption of energy, water, and land resources, increased pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and damage to natural ecosystems. Additionally, it causes social issues stemming from the isolation and separation of residents, while heavy reliance on private cars exacerbates health problems such as obesity and related diseases."Suburban redevelopment," or "New Suburbanism" in contemporary urban literature, has been at the forefront of this cultural shift. This movement seeks to reform urban development paths and spatial patterns to minimize adverse economic, environmental, and social consequences. New Suburbanism shares goals with planning paradigms like transit-oriented development, smart growth, and new urbanism, focusing on reducing the damage caused by sprawl, decreasing car traffic, and integrating mixed-use buildings. Proponents argue that denser developments are a more sustainable alternative to sprawl. New Suburbanism responds to the needs of young workers who aspire to live in city centers but lack the financial means to purchase or rent housing there.
Conclusion
Studies demonstrate that high-density clusters of tall buildings near public transportation stations enhance ridership and create dynamic urban spaces. By promoting mixed-use development and forming vibrant economic hubs, these clusters can attract diverse groups and increase population density.
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