2. Compact v greenfield development

The shape of urban development can have a big impact on outcomes in our cities, including housing affordability, economic activity, access to social amenities, quality of life, carbon emissions and other environmental impacts, energy use, commuting costs, choice of transport mode, physical activity and people’s health. The researchers examined two urban development trajectories – compact (higher density, more diverse land use, infill-oriented) or dispersed (greenfield-oriented) development – in terms of these key outcomes.

Demand-side, supply-side and cost, and policy

This strand of research involved 11 linked projects, which could be grouped as studying demand-side, supply-side and cost, and policies to support compact cities to realise environmental and public health benefits. The researchers worked with city councils, property developers, and other parties who influence our urban development, and also survey the public. Together these studies contribute to an overall picture of the costs, benefits and risks of compact or dispersed urban development in New Zealand.

Researchers

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