Density
Land measurement for planning and development purposes, Guidance Note, Global 1st edition, Published by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in May 2021, defines density as: ‘…measured on either a gross or net basis, and for residential schemes can be expressed in various ways, including dwellings per hectare/acre, habitable rooms per hectare/acre or bedspaces per hectare/acre. Plot ratio, floor area ratio, floorspace ratio and site coverage are also expressions of density that can be applied to all uses, but are most appropriately used for commercial premises. Density should always be expressed in terms of gross areas (based on site area), while net density can provide an additional measure to assist with the interpretation and assessment of the intensity of a development.’
It defines gross density as: ‘…a measure that includes all aspects of a site of any size, including the housing, commercial space, roads, open and public realm, schools and their grounds, and other uses. It is calculated using site area.’
And net density as: '...a measure that includes everything that is developed but excludes
major roads, open and public realm, schools and their grounds, and commercial and
community buildings. It is calculated using net development area.'
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Employment density ratio.
- Guiding light: Unlocking London's residential density.
- High quality high density homes.
- Higher density residential building.
- Higher density residential precinct.
- Housing density.
- Redefining density, making the best use of London’s land to build more and better homes.
- Urban density.
Featured articles and news
A briefing on fall protection systems for designers
A legal requirement and an ethical must.
CIOB Ireland launches manifesto for 2024 General Election
A vision for a sustainable, high-quality built environment that benefits all members of society.
Local leaders gain new powers to support local high streets
High Street Rental Auctions to be introduced from December.
Infrastructure sector posts second gain for October
With a boost for housebuilder and commercial developer contract awards.
Sustainable construction design teams survey
Shaping the Future of Sustainable Design: Your Voice Matters.
COP29; impacts of construction and updates
Amid criticism, open letters and calls for reform.
The properties of conservation rooflights
Things to consider when choosing the right product.
Adapting to meet changing needs.
London Build: A festival of construction
Co-located with the London Build Fire & Security Expo.
Tasked with locating groups of 10,000 homes with opportunity.
Delivering radical reform in the UK energy market
What are the benefits, barriers and underlying principles.
Information Management Initiative IMI
Building sector-transforming capabilities in emerging technologies.
Recent study of UK households reveals chilling home truths
Poor insulation, EPC knowledge and lack of understanding as to what retrofit might offer.
Embodied Carbon in the Built Environment
Overview, regulations, detail calculations and much more.
Why the construction sector must embrace workplace mental health support
Let’s talk; more importantly now, than ever.
Ensuring the trustworthiness of AI systems
A key growth area, including impacts for construction.