The single family neighbourhood is a favoured residential form, yet this low density residential
option is unsustainable. With its high consumption of land and services, the continued development
of the traditional single family neighbourhood results in urban sprawl and inefficient use of
infrastructure. In addition, zoning regulations that prescribe large lot sizes, deep setbacks and singleuses,
create disconnected, mono-functional residential enclaves. Residential intensification is
increasingly touted by urban theorists and proponents of sustainable development as part of the
solution. This involves focussing new development on underutilized land, which in turn necessitates
the acceptance of new housing forms within existing neighbourhoods. However, people are often
wary of higher densities and alternative housing options, believing that the qualities of livability that
they identify with the single family neighbourhood are threatened. Focussing on ground-oriented
residential alternatives, this project examines the key elements that comprise the residential
environment and their connection to aspects of livability. A set of guidelines based on principles of
sustainable development directs the design for a higher density, environmentally responsive, groundoriented
residential development on an infill lot in an existing single family neighbourhood. The
final design proposes the division of the single site into five developable lots, introduces four
different dwelling types, and integrates into the landscape a stormwater management system. The
plan is compared to other similar alternative developments.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:BVAU.2429/10410 |
| Date | 05 1900 |
| Creators | Harth, Mia |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Relation | UBC Retrospective Theses Digitization Project [http://www.library.ubc.ca/archives/retro_theses/] |
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