![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F09%2F8.-Unique-Cities-Organic-Growth.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=138&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=4dc6512ea80e3a741890f98891a0f7be 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F09%2F8.-Unique-Cities-Organic-Growth.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=277&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=9e8dc7085e9133cfe0c4880246a7f1ac 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F09%2F8.-Unique-Cities-Organic-Growth.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=506&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=b76cf065b202a8f50870463ede1c7c89 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F09%2F8.-Unique-Cities-Organic-Growth.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=675&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=b19629dff6e8789563733b7e9c5b1303 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F09%2F8.-Unique-Cities-Organic-Growth.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=923&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=7718b4c3c8523aa5762f68b122b02419 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F09%2F8.-Unique-Cities-Organic-Growth.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1055&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=33290a8f753e26e272acc5e21b04860c 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F09%2F8.-Unique-Cities-Organic-Growth.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1266&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=a2bb69aaa03d07fea33484e96b3d3a2f 1920w)
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F09%2F9.-Unique-Cities-Inorganic-Growth.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=139&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=bca0a1427710f0daf32261bb4444a5fd 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F09%2F9.-Unique-Cities-Inorganic-Growth.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=278&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=9daca2b0b19c9a60510948f0cdd94251 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F09%2F9.-Unique-Cities-Inorganic-Growth.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=508&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=0ed085d6a7e270632602caea419105d5 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F09%2F9.-Unique-Cities-Inorganic-Growth.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=677&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=3370836975eb46647b32ba5da9e54c30 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F09%2F9.-Unique-Cities-Inorganic-Growth.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=925&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=01752998aecc25912a9f003a49c6f185 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F09%2F9.-Unique-Cities-Inorganic-Growth.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1058&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=5c29d999e189af47294a59d8cf5efeee 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F09%2F9.-Unique-Cities-Inorganic-Growth.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1269&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=6ed612d79eafb261b54d3b31ec4c1d73 1920w)
Is it possible to ‘design in’ uniqueness?
Protecting the uniqueness of an area could be argued as championing its identity, or at least acknowledging it and responding to it. The appropriateness of any design response in reinforcing the unique character of an area is of course subjective, with approaches ranging from being complementary and sympathetic to being contrasting and challenging. Both attitudes however, still acknowledge the presence of an original identity.
What happens when there is no, or little, conceived present identity from which to respond? What of those times when non-organic growth is unavoidable? This is a more unique challenge for the designer. One could employ a unifying element to the overall project, a kind of rubber stamp to the component parts which points us to the sense of the whole, however obviously. While this might indeed reinforce an identity, it’s hardly the most persuasive argument for uniqueness. In striving to impose a character, there is a danger of crowding out those myriad of possibilities which might appeal to the multitudes of communities who reside there. A more subtle approach might be one of scale. Care and attention should be given to every element of our cities; streets, neighbourhoods, districts and conurbations. Large or small, macro or micro, every scale of our cities serves to form its identity. Surely our own uniqueness is determined by the minutiae of our fingerprints as well as the more obvious characteristics of our facial features? The skill of the designers and planners is to navigate through the various scales with uniqueness of design which in turn enforces the strength of the overall identity.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F09%2Fask-the-community.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=84&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=8d152197de5c397c33e83dcecbb771bc 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F09%2Fask-the-community.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=168&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=7e631b745b3190a0628b415036c132b0 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F09%2Fask-the-community.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=307&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=b760d8b378c78a5465fab350c84a4a44 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F09%2Fask-the-community.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=410&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=502065dc1a418f7787262379d793dc44 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F09%2Fask-the-community.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=560&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=14cb3d1c33bbb13f30c9c7955ae0c0cc 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F09%2Fask-the-community.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=640&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=01f5316f2a28130ac46956c22cb16a15 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F09%2Fask-the-community.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=768&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=6df4b6652f5cb6fed5da60d01426b913 1920w)
How then should we approach the ‘design of densification’, so that the city in which these new homes are being built retains its character?
It is a misconception that densification need be the enemy of character. Instead, considered densification should be championed as the preservation of character; it can allow for the protection of the elements of the city which are standard bearers of its identity while allowing the city to survive, grow and thrive. The successful densification of urban areas should allow for the red line protection of those jewels of our cities which we should jealously guard; the parks, the canals, the squares, the notable buildings in which we all stake a common claim.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2Fcity-amenities.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=99&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=6962ec8f5ec775a1b4c5862d59adc2c6 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2Fcity-amenities.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=197&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=bd044c1e9a0090a24aaa5458fac6d182 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2Fcity-amenities.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=360&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=efbdc49c50ff2da4957ab858b2e7fadf 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2Fcity-amenities.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=480&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=79a09ae61e1139e14bcf7c983b1b5fee 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2Fcity-amenities.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=657&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=b0d03860ac4a3a2a41a6a265403dc682 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2Fcity-amenities.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=751&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=2b1dabf84b16ddaf0bf399734b034188 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2Fcity-amenities.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=901&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=c0fc54525fb8c650771629dc452c67e0 1920w)
Densification should not only be protecting the unique areas of our cities, it should also actively contribute to the character of its landscape. Density should not be a simple multiplication of a base unit, the designer should look for opportunities in densification – height offers views and critical mass requires amenities. Density therefore, should equate to a myriad of possibilities, each unique and identifiable.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2Fdifferent-cities.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=54&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=a983f22aaf548a45fa464e7064bb36ab 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2Fdifferent-cities.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=108&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=901c4e5ce4c957e302e3f7dd0b00c773 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2Fdifferent-cities.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=198&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=a72c47f98b83da8c13aeb37b54ea4aae 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2Fdifferent-cities.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=264&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=a3b90e715aa2178e1e803ccda819717f 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2Fdifferent-cities.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=361&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=a065f04314d017975845bafc0f6b9228 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2Fdifferent-cities.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=413&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=a849f695281afa3b3597e93bcbbf6d20 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2Fdifferent-cities.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=495&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=9a3f7fcdb3066ab0f272c04ac015ac33 1920w)
This essay was extracted from the Future Spaces Foundation report: Vital Cities not Garden Cities: the answer to the nation’s housing shortage?