Exploring the social impacts of high-density living in a sub-tropical environment

Abstract

High-density living has been viewed as a key strategy to manage urban growth and minimise the negative impacts of urban sprawl. Drawing on the experiences of participants from high-density dwellings within inner-urban areas in Brisbane, South-East Queensland, this paper investigates the social impacts of high-density living, particularly impacts that relate to residents’ experiences of the sub-tropical climate. Using 636 survey responses and 24 qualitative interviews, it was revealed how residents managed the thermal comfort within their dwelling, with a particular focus on summer time. Residents reported a general preference for natural air-flow over the use of air-conditioning. Residents also related certain design features to the climate within their dwelling, remarking on use of balconies and open spaces, orientation of their building and making internal and external modifications to the dwelling to manage climate. Recognising how residents’ experience and respond to the climate within their high-density dwellings can provide insight into the liveability of high-density dwellings and assist with sustainable planning and design for sub-tropical environments.