Next steps in proximity planning: lessons learned about densification from some cases in South and North America
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37230/CyTET.2025.226.9Keywords:
Densification, Proximity, Integrated planning, Re-Nodalization, Urban RegenerationAbstract
Densification understood as episodic “verticalization” has become a mainstream trend in many global capital cities, supported by expected benefits such as being an alternative to “sprawl” or strengthening urban centers by supporting a higher quality of life. This study begins from the historical link between density, proximity, and social benefits to then review the empirical evidence and examine the barriers and opportunities of select cases of densification in South and North America, areas with more dynamic urban realities than Spain. The purpose is to extract lessons applicable to Spain at a time of transition, where planning is shifting towards a greater emphasis on strategic thinking and reliance on systems of indicators and performance. The conclusions point to the need for comprehensive planning of these actions with a different emphasis: densification for urban regeneration and renodalization.
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