Intensified Density

A small scale densification strategy for the suburbs by using modular construction

In our project Intensified Density we would like to investigate whether a small scale densification strategy for the suburbs/intermediary cities, using modular construction, and existing infrastructure on empty plots of land, can offer a competing alternative to not only the sprawl of single family dwellings but also to large projects.

Status: ongoing (01.02.2017–31.01.2018)
FFG – City of Tomorrow, assessment project

Starting point/motivation

In our project “Intensified Density”, which is part of the research programme “Stadt der Zukunft” (City of Tomorrow), we would like to investigate whether a small scale densification strategy for the suburbs/intermediary cities, using modular construction, and existing infrastructure on empty plots of land, can offer a competing alternative to not only the sprawl of single family dwellings but also to large projects which apply technology to achieve sustainable architecture and urban planning. “Intensified Density” is a reaction to the growing urban sprawl, which The Austrian Conference on Spatial Planning has recognised since the 1990s as needing to be restrained.

Contents and goals

In order to counteract this expansion of residential developments, within the framework of “Intensified Density” new developments in the building industry will be used, and modular building techniques will be investigated for densification strategies which are able to demonstrate the necessary flexibility to respond to each respective context, and offer cost efficient alternatives. While prefabricated and standardized building techniques are usually planned independently from their future surroundings, “Intensified Density” intends to research how such structures can be connected to existing technical and social infrastructure, and activate and develop their potential.

This comprehensive approach is to be understood as part of a process of rethinking, where the usual roles of architects and urban planners are extended and become part of a shift that allows society’s current problems to be identified, researched and changed, sustainably.

Methods

With “Intensified Density” we are creating added value in terms of urban planning, through which existing problems in the intermediary city can be highlighted, analysed and rendered able to be solved. Therefore, applicable solutions will be sought, in cooperation with an interdisciplinary international research team, external experts, as well as incorporation of the project into the teaching content, using architectural design and analytical methods.

A long term goal is implementation in the form of a pilot project in cooperation with a local authority, housing association or developer, and companies within the construction industry.

Expected results

In addition to the development of a modular but needs – oriented form of building, in the form of a pilot project that can adapt to specific contexts, a multi-criteria catalogue will be created, which contains possibilities for the development of new proposals and methods for densification which are locally based and have international relevance.

The project “Intensified Density” should demonstrate possibilities, activate dormant land and inspire visions of contextually anchored, futuristic, denser small scale forms of residential living.

Team

Project management

Univ. Prof. Architektin BDA Dip.Arch. Petra Petersson (Project leader and Director of the Institute)
Graz University of Technology – Institute of Construction and Design Principles
Kronesgasse 5
8010 Graz

Univ. Ass. Architektin DI Petra Kickenweitz
Univ. Projekt-Ass. DI Bernadette Krejs
Univ. Ass. DI Christina Linortner
Univ. Ass. DI Daniel Schürr
DI Donika Luzhnica
DI Gresa Kastrati

BSc Barbara Gruber, BSc Daniel Huber, Johannes Fritzenwallner, Hannes Stockklauser, Lung Peng, Markus Schaller, Flake Zeneli, Bruno Raskaj, Robert Anagnostopoulos, Lina Heinrich (Trainee), BA MA Ariane van den Hof (Administration)

Model building workshop: Gerald Fassmann, Sebastian Pletzer, Mag. Klemens Illek

Project and cooperation partners

Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stefan Peters (Director of the Institute)
Graz University of Technology – Institute of Structural Design
Technikerstrase 4/IV
8010 Graz

Assoc.Prof. DI Dr. Andreas Trummer
Univ.Ass. DI Christian Pichlkastner
Univ.Ass. DI BSc Christoph Holzinger
Bernd Hausegger, Sonja Senekowitsch (Administration)

Prof. Dipl.-Phys. Rüdiger Lorenz (Director of the Institute)
University of Applied Sciences Potsdam
Special field Construction Engineering
Kiepenheuer Allee 5
DEU 14469 Potsdam

Contact address

Graz University of Technology – Institute of Construction and Design Principles
Kronesgasse 5
8010 Graz
AUSTRIA
Tel. +43 873 1631
Fax. +43 316 873 1632
koen@tugraz.at
koen.tugraz.at

Project Nummer: FFG-ID 854687