Living in Density

Abstract

The core of our shared experiences can be found in the variety of urban life, where human behavior interacts with diverse urban environments. As the scale of cities continues to grow, the need to prioritize people in urban development becomes more and more significant, challenging the conventional emphasis on physical elements. This thesis delves into the complex relationship of psychology, social dynamics, and the built environment, bringing insight into the various elements of urban life.

This thesis introduces the 'elements of density' framework, which is a fresh methodology. This framework—Scale, Proximity, Senses, Cores, Third Places—allows for a comprehensive understanding of urban life, including its social, psychological, and physical components. These elements have the ability to determine and influence our perceptions, comprehension, and experiences of everything around us. Learning and analysing the work of notable urbanists such as Kevin Lynch and Jane Jacobs, it challenges the psychological underlying urban attachment, recognizing the nuanced relationship of nostalgia and perception in shaping our urban environments.

Through an in-depth investigation and involvement with multiple experiences, this research aims to encourage the development of vibrant cities. This multidisciplinary analysis is intended to improve the understanding of the complex elements of urban living and function as a tool to enhance the way we live in cities.