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A Scientific Approach to the Densification Debate in Bergen Centre in Norway

Author

Listed:
  • Remco Elric de Koning

    (Department of Civil Engineering, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, 5020 Bergen, Norway)

  • Hans Jacob Roald

    (Department of Civil Engineering, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, 5020 Bergen, Norway)

  • Akkelies van Nes

    (Department of Civil Engineering, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, 5020 Bergen, Norway
    Department of Urbanism, Faculty of Architecture, TU-Delft, BL Delft 2628, The Netherlands)

Abstract

The municipality of Bergen in Norway aims to densify fifty per cent of new housing within the city’s central parts. The Ministry of Local Government and Modernisation ordered and financed an investigation to be carried out by the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences and the consulting firm Asplan Viak to give research-based input to the densification strategy debate in Bergen. This article demonstrates how the Space Syntax method can be applied to urban densification strategies in urban planning and policy making. The Geographical Information System (GIS) is used to obtain, select, and aggregate operational information. First, the spatial attributes that constitute an area’s attractiveness were registered. Then, this analysis was modelled after the Spacescape ® method. Next, the Space Syntax methodology was applied to predict to-movement and through-movement flow potentials. Finally, through weighting the relevant parameters, including impediments such as land ownership, twelve areas were identified as having major potential for transformation based on their overall score. As it turns out, the spatial structure of the street and road network is the underlying driver for how and where to densify. Now, the challenge is how to apply this knowledge into current planning practice.

Suggested Citation

  • Remco Elric de Koning & Hans Jacob Roald & Akkelies van Nes, 2020. "A Scientific Approach to the Densification Debate in Bergen Centre in Norway," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(21), pages 1-21, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:21:p:9178-:d:440052
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Kim Dovey & Elek Pafka, 2017. "What is functional mix? An assemblage approach," Planning Theory & Practice, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 18(2), pages 249-267, April.
    2. Akkelies van Nes & Claudia Yamu, 2020. "Exploring Challenges in Space Syntax Theory Building: The Use of Positivist and Hermeneutic Explanatory Models," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-21, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Eda Ustaoglu & Chris Jacobs-Crisioni, 2022. "What Drives Residential Land Expansion and Densification? An Analysis of Growing and Shrinking Regions," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-27, September.
    2. Claudia Yamu & Akkelies van Nes & Chiara Garau, 2021. "Bill Hillier’s Legacy: Space Syntax—A Synopsis of Basic Concepts, Measures, and Empirical Application," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-25, March.
    3. Akkelies van Nes, 2021. "Spatial Configurations and Walkability Potentials. Measuring Urban Compactness with Space Syntax," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-22, May.

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