09- Why Building Vertically Is Better Than Building Horizontally
Advantages of Vertical Development as a Strategy for Sustainable Cities
Building vertically is not only an efficient response to the growing spatial pressures in cities but also a comprehensive solution to enhance urban environments. Reedy Creek Harmony Life adopts this strategy to minimize land occupation, thereby freeing up large areas to be regenerated into community green spaces. This planned densification helps maintain functional ecosystems, integrate biological corridors, and provide high-quality public areas accessible to all.
By elevating construction, the carbon footprint per inhabited square foot is reduced, access to efficient urban services is improved, and an environment conducive to the development of local flora and fauna is created. Harmony Life exemplifies this vision by proposing a system of stilted buildings where the first floor of parking structures is elevated 10 feet above ground level, allowing water, air, and animals to flow freely underneath.
Moreover, the project seeks to dismantle the notion of landscaping as merely aesthetic. Instead of introducing ornamental species, HReedy Creek Harmony Life proposes regenerative environments where native vegetation, restored wetlands, and functional ecosystems foster genuine cohabitation between humans, wildlife, and native plants.
This type of development does not disrupt wildlife but rather creates opportunities for its expansion and sustainability.
The case of Mudd Lake, currently in poor conservation condition, serves as a clear example of transformative intervention. The lake, suffering from low oxygen levels and degraded thorny vegetation, will be restored into an accessible, vibrant, functional space that generates shade, improves water retention, fosters biodiversity, and offers recreation for the community. Vertical development facilitates this transformation by freeing land that would otherwise be occupied by horizontal housing.
Finally, this strategy enables the coverage of additional costs associated with environmental regeneration, green infrastructure, and high-quality service provision, thanks to efficient land use. Harmony Life is not merely a real estate development but a commitment to a new way of inhabiting territory: sustainable, regenerative, community-driven, and respectful of all forms of life.
Comparison of Land Use (per acre):
SEE IMAGE 9.1
Conclusions:
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Vertical development allows the release of over 34,800 ft² per acre compared to the total land occupation of a single-story model.
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Despite accommodating more housing units, vertical development dramatically reduces the physical footprint.
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The average area per housing unit is also reduced, meaning more efficient use of built space.
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This approach generates free land that can be dedicated to ecological corridors, recreational areas, or environmental restoration.