The architecture of congestion

Abstract

The aim of this report is to identify ways in which the design of the built environment may alleviate the problems associated with congested environments. Research undertaken by environmental psychologists and sociologists over the last 100 years are examined, as well as books and articles on housing development in Hong Kong, where population density exceeds that of any other country in the world. Approaches to housing in other high density regions are also explored. A variety of mental or pragmatic problems can be caused by overcrowding. These may be alleviated by: 1/. human behavioural mechanisms, either universal or autochthnous 2/. design of the built environment Potential crowding problems have been selected, and possible solutions are given as examples of approaches taken by Hong Kong and other countries, and from results of surveys and experiments. From this investigation, a set of summary guidelines for the design of housing in congested environments are developed.