Multidimensional framework for measuring urban density and linking it to liveability

Červek, Jernej (author), Fikfak, Alenka (author), Drobne, Samo (author), Grom, Janez Peter (author), Berčič, Tomaž (author)

Urban density is a central concept in sustainable urban development, yet its measurement and interpretation remain fragmented and often limited to single indicators. This paper develops a multidimensional framework for measuring urban density and linking it to selected dimensions of liveability relevant to spatial planning and sustainable urban development. The approach conceptualises urban density as the interaction between morphological, functional, and structural dimensions within a common spatial unit defined as the urban footprint. The framework is operationalised through indicators capturing built form, population and activity intensity, and land-use composition, while selected liveability components—such as accessibility, green infrastructure, and environmental conditions—are incorporated as an interpretative layer. The methodology is demonstrated through its application to three Slovenian cities (Izola, Kranj, and Gornja Radgona), representing different urban typologies. The results show that similar aggregate density values may correspond to different spatial configurations, revealing patterns not captured by conventional indicators. The analysis identifies mismatches between density dimensions and a “density dilution effect” related to the use of heterogeneous spatial units. The findings confirm that the relationship between density and liveability is context-dependent, shaped by the interaction between built form, functional structure, and green space provision. The study contributes a transferable methodological framework that supports a more nuanced interpretation of urban density and provides a tool for informed and context-sensitive spatial planning, contributing to more efficient land use, improved environmental quality, and more sustainable urban development outcomes.

• Language: English
• Keywords: urban density, sustainable urban development, liveability, multidimensional framework, urban footprint, density indicators, spatial planning, urban form, green infrastructure, land-use structure
• Work type: Article
• Typology: 1.01 - Original Scientific Article
• Organization: FA - Faculty of Architecture
• Publication status: Published
• Year: 2026
• Number of pages: 20 str.
• Numbering: Vol. 18, iss. 9, [article no.] 4444
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-182222
• UDC: 711.4:502.131.1
• ISSN on article: 2071-1050
• DOI: 10.3390/su18094444
• COBISS.SI-ID: 276896771
• Publication date in RUL: 04.05.2026

Record is a part of a journal

• Title: Sustainability
• Shortened title: Sustainability
• Publisher: MDPI
• ISSN: 2071-1050
• COBISS.SI-ID: 5324897

Licences

• License: CC BY 4.0, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• Description: This is the standard Creative Commons license that gives others maximum freedom to do what they want with the work as long as they credit the author.

Secondary language

• Language: Slovenian
• Keywords: urbana gostota, trajnostni urbani razvoj, kakovost bivanja, večdimenzionalni okvir, urbani odtis, kazalniki gostote, prostorsko načrtovanje, urbana oblika, zelena infrastruktura, struktura rabe prostora

Projects

• Funder: ARIS - Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency
• Project number: P5-0068-2018
• Name: Trajnostno oblikovanje kvalitetnega bivalnega okolja

• Funder: ARIS - Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency
• Project number: P2-0406-2019
• Name: Opazovanje Zemlje in geoinformatika