What is it like to live in high-density housing? Researchers at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) have this week released their findings into the social, economic and ecological experience of residents in high-density buildings in inner Brisbane.
The research has been delivered in the form of a "High-Density Liveability Guide", which provides residents, building managers, council authorities, designers and developers with a practical guide to assess the liveability of a dwelling, building and surrounding community.
`Liveability' refers to the characteristics that make a place where people want to live (e.g. access to services, quality of life, comfortable living standards, transport, air quality and social participation).
Although targeted towards inner-city, high-density areas, findings discussed in the guide are just as applicable to other areas.
Based on residents' experiences, nine key topics have been identified as important for enhancing the liveability of high-density areas. The topics have been organised under the categories of Dwelling, Building and Community.
They include (under `Dwelling') thermal comfort, natural light and noise mitigation; (under `Building') shared space and environmental sustainability; and (under `Community') accessibility/ sustainability of transport; amenities/services and sense of community.
Each factsheet includes an overview of the topic, findings from the team's research, recommended guidelines and further links.
By considering these factors, and answering the Liveability Checklist, residents, building managers, local authorities, designers and developers can monitor the liveability of a dwelling, building or surrounding area.
The guide takes into account the perspectives of high-density residents in inner-urban locations across Brisbane, Australia. The research, including surveys, interviews, observations and temperature monitoring, was undertaken by Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and Northshore Development Group, with funding by the Australian Research Council.
More information about the study can be found at www.highdensityliveability.