Benefits of Density (Economic and Environmentally Sustainable)

Attending next month’s ArchitectureBoston Expo (ABX)? Be sure to check out the two-part topic Benefits of Density (Economic and Environmentally Sustainable) on Tuesday, 11/19.

These panel discussions will examine how various types of built density can positively affect society through economic means (Part 1) and environmental sustainability (Part 2). Each seminar will address the qualitative and quantitative social impacts being measured or projected through a discussion of policy, planning, design, and development.  The goal of the seminar series is to provide attendees with the knowledge to communicate and participate in appropriate design, development, and maintenance of healthy communities.

The first seminar addresses economic trends inherent within communities of differing urban and rural densities. The panel will focus on six topics: (i) jobs; (ii) tax revenue and base; (iii) infrastructure cost and improvement; (iv) educational standards and accessibility; (v) property values and rental rates; and (vi) general health and social well being. Each topic will be addressed with specific research and case studies focused within the context of three different urban and rural models ranging from less to more dense. The discussion will wrap up with an open round table discussion focused on how specific policy adjustments and economic incentives can help improve the most beneficial model and how architects, planners and developers can work together towards this end.

The second and final seminar continues the discussion of social and development density through the lens of environmental sustainability. This seminar examines how various density patterns impact the long term and continuous health of both social and natural environments at community and regional levels. Panelists will address metrics and case studies available for evaluating successful density development in regards to positive social and environmental responses. Environmental sustainability topics may include (but are not limited to): land use planning, local and regional resourcing, agricultural development, vehicular use, carbon footprints, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and community resiliency.

Details
Benefits of Density: Economics
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Benefits of Density: Environmental Sustainability
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Speakers
Seth Holmes, Assist. Prof. of Architecture & Sustainable Design; University of Hartford
Surajit Nandi AIA, Architect; PAYETTE