High density living enables reduced land-take for buildings, a range of infrastrucuture provision opportunities , including efficiency and affordable public transport solutions and more efficient energy systems. These in turn allow residents and businesses to enjoy widespread proximity to quality green and public spaces, as well as social, economic and cultural mix of uses.

This session explored different approaches to compactness that have evolved over many centuries in Europe, have been designed into being some parts of North America and Asia, as well as emerging approaches in other regions.

The moderator was Wiert-Jan de Raaf, from Rotterdam; and the following speakers: São Paulo Secretary of Urban Development Miguel Bucalem; Paris First Deputy Mayor Anne Hidalgo; Barcelona’s representative, Toni Pujol; and Portland Mayor Sam Adams.