Rapid urbanization, especially in developing
countries, means that the worldwide tradition of low-rise housing is giving way
to living in urban apartments. This implies huge environmental and sociocultural
changes. For sustainability, dense and high-rise cities offer some advantages,
but negative aspects too, especially for residential areas and low-income
groups. A widespread residential model, in China and elsewhere, is high-rise
urban “superblocks”. However, equally high
population densities can be achieved in several ways, including quite
low-rise, with equal energy efficiency as well as other environmental and
social qualities. Building on analyses of some urban blocks in Ningbo, China,
we explore current trends and assess options for sustainable living in future
urban residential areas. This paper delves into ten key points related to the overarching goals of sustainable and low
carbon-cities. In particular, the arguments support low-dense urban
design paradigms against high-rise urban superblocks. By exploring the case of
Ningbo, China, we map some existing urban residential typologies and compounds.
Through a comparative analysis, the study then focuses on key factors for
reconsidering China’s urban residential policies, and towards sustainable city paradigms.
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