Intensification must come with flexibility built in

By Sadie Morgan2024-04-05T06:00:00

We undoubtedly need more building in our cities, but it must be easily changeable if we are to extend its shelf-life, writes Sadie Morgan

The word “intensification” is on the lips of anyone working in the built environment today. In work-winning processes, in policy documents and in the architectural press, the idea of spatially accommodating more uses within a given footprint is the goal du jour – with legitimate reason.

The London Plan, which was published by the mayor of London in 2016, defines regions for intensification as those which “have significant potential for increases in residential, employment and other uses through development of sites at higher densities”. Specifically, the description of intensification now often ties to the use of stacked or vertically arranged space, especially when it comes to industrial escalation.

Already registered? Login here

To continue enjoying Building.co.uk, sign up for free guest access

Existing subscriber? LOGIN

Stay at the forefront of thought leadership with news and analysis from award-winning journalists. Enjoy company features, CEO interviews, architectural reviews, technical project know-how and the latest innovations.

Limited access to building.co.uk
Breaking industry news as it happens
Breaking, daily and weekly e-newsletters

Get your free guest access SIGN UP TODAY

Subscribe now for unlimited access

Subscribe to Building today and you will benefit from:

Unlimited access to all stories including expert analysis and comment from industry leaders
Our league tables, cost models and economics data
Our online archive of over 10,000 articles
Building magazine digital editions
Building magazine print editions
Printed/digital supplements

Subscribe now for unlimited access.

View our subscription options and join our community