Grant Award View - GA151790

Urban density is a focus for city makers globally. Reacting to sprawling 20th Century patterns, tightly organised megacities are an emerging model with smaller environmental footprints. Such principles are tested and questioned by the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of closely connecting living, working and making in urban environments. It has disproportionately affected those who are unable to work at home, while supply chains, including food and conventional international goods exchange, have been disrupted. Korea and Australia present relevant case-studies to explore how future cities might be shaped in response to these challenges. Making Tightness explores urban density models post-Covid. Using urban land efficiently and sociably is crucial. Design researchers in Melbourne, Brisbane and Seoul will explore future cities designed for living close to sources of work, food, manufacturing and communities. The project will develop original design models demonstrating integrating production with living in super-dense environments.