Density in Historic Centres

Abstract

Within the rising national housing demand, national policies are shifting their focus in urban development strategies towards regional cities, including the historic Hanseatic cities. These cities are unique in identity and character and have many qualities that can inspire future developments in these areas. This thesis aims to find a balance between the preservation of the cultural-historical identity of these cities and accommodating urban growth. This thesis proposes a catalogue for implementing various densification methods in sensitive areas with a strong, unique historic identity. The densification methods focus on small-scale interventions, including infill development, splitting buildings and plots, and roof stacking. These densification methods are combined with the target groups, the starters and the elderly. Using Elburg and Doesburg as case studies allows for testing and evaluating different design interventions. Both cities have three similar sub-areas that differ in identity and qualities. The three sub-areas are: 1) the historic centre, 2) the neighbourhood expansion, and 3) the port or industrial area. By integrating the spatial characteristics with the cultural and social characteristics in the design evaluation criteria of the sub-areas, the design interventions are tested and evaluated. Even though the evaluation criteria are site-specific, the approach to these areas can be translated to similar sensitive historic centres. The design outcome discusses how densifying these historic centres can contribute to reducing the pressure on the national housing demand.