Urban density is a fundamental principle of sustainable development. As the world’s population continues to grow and urbanize, the car-dependent model of the 20th century must change to accommodate a more populous and more prosperous world. This brief lays how well designed density creates vibrant, sustainable urban spaces. Density is one the the Eight Principles for designing urban transport and development.

For more information on density from ITDP, see the TOD Standard and watch the video, It’s Smart to be Dense.