This overview of recent research into medium and high density housing explores how holistic approaches can foster well designed, sociable and resilient places.
The Medium Density Housing, Mini Research, (6.) by Tibbalds for the Office for Place adds to the following highlighting sucesfull examples of medium density development often by SME developers such as Malings in Newcastle, Brabazon in Bristol, Kelham Island Sheffield, Climate Innovation District in Leeds and the Pheonix Lewes. It identified the need to share knowledge, policies about medium density housing and demystify density demonstrating its continuity with how places where shaped historically.
The Place Alliance study Tackling Inequality in Housing Design Quality (1.) is informed by close evaluation of 20 case studies from across the UK. As their average density was 72 dwellings per hectare the study can also tell us something about how to achieve design quality and create value in medium-density housing. Ten routes to success are identified and alongside recurring design quality factors including:
- Integrating homes into their broader urban context (historic, physical and social).
- Designing strong well connected urban structure with adaptable block layouts, and a mix of building types to create vibrant communities that respond to changing needs.
- Optimising density with a well-designed public realm, with green spaces and pedestrian-friendly streets, to foster social interaction and liveability.
- Using visually engaging cost-effective architecture to enhance long-term value and durable, low-maintenance materials.
Similarly, UDL in their Housing and Density primer (2.) highlight how medium-rise developments (five to eight storeys) can deliver sustainability and quality housing. They say effective housing density needs to transcend thinking in numbers to focus on liveability, connectivity, and thoughtful urban design.
Well-designed densification integrates public transport, walkability, and green spaces, fostering social and economic benefits while reducing environmental impact. A study of the Helsinki metropolitan area into Compact Cities and Urban Planning (3.) found that infrastructure and accessibility rather than density itself are key to driving concentrations of amenity.
It’s also important to consider how higher density works at the scale of individual buildings. Three in depth case studies of housing in London (4.) at around 230 dwellings per hectare explored how to design high-density housing to encourage social interaction. Evidencing how innovative design solutions such as attractive shared spaces, communal gardens, adaptable housing typologies, and well placed cycle storage—enhance high-density living.
Recommendations include:
- Limit the number of apartments per building or per floor to foster collective stewardship and a sense of community.
- Design smaller shared communal areas rather than large, generic spaces, as these are used more intensively.
- Combine shared paths and communal spaces to create opportunities for casual, spontaneous interactions.
- Externalise circulation spaces (such as balconies and walkways) to facilitate conversations between neighbours.
- Co-locate bike stores with shared paths to create informal gathering points for residents.
- Ensure transitions between private and public spaces are well-designed, as harsh interfaces can discourage interaction and make residents feel exposed.
- Encourage flexibility in communal areas to accommodate various social activities and allow for personalization by residents.
The study emphasises that while physical design plays a crucial role in shaping interactions, other factors such as social media communication, management quality, and personal preferences also influence sociability in high-density housing
The way that developments are managed can also impact on their long-term success. A study of Community Led Stewardship by the Community Land Trust Network (5.) has drawn learning from recent examples where communities have longer-term involvement. Community-led place stewardship ensures long-term, democratic management of housing developments, enhancing resilience, wellbeing, and trust. Successful stewardship requires early integration into planning, clear governance, financial sustainability, and strong resident participation.
Community Land Trusts (CLTs) and similar models can provide benefits by securing local ownership, protecting affordability, and fostering civic engagement. Support from local authorities, developers, and network organizations is essential, along with digital tools for transparency. A shift towards stewardship-based models can create thriving, sustainable communities.
References:
- Tackling Inequality in Housing Design Quality | Place Alliance
- UDL (2024) Housing and Density
- Jama, T & Tenkanen, H (2024) Compact city and urban planning: Correlation between density and local amenities, Aalto University Finland.
- Mellen, H. & Short, M. (2023)Designing for social interaction in high density housing: A multiple case analysis of recently completed design-led developments in London https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6fuB-upkYQ
- Community Land Trust Network et al (2025) Community-led Place Stewardship, Lessons from and towards transforming management of large, housing led sites in England and Europe
- Medium Density Housing, Mini Research, Tibbalds for the Office for Place (2025)
Image – Hartree, Cambridge – Kjellander Sjoberg for Town
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April, 2025 – updated Jun 2025