Density
Land measurement for planning and development purposes, Guidance Note, Global 1st edition, Published by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in May 2021, defines density as: ‘…measured on either a gross or net basis, and for residential schemes can be expressed in various ways, including dwellings per hectare/acre, habitable rooms per hectare/acre or bedspaces per hectare/acre. Plot ratio, floor area ratio, floorspace ratio and site coverage are also expressions of density that can be applied to all uses, but are most appropriately used for commercial premises. Density should always be expressed in terms of gross areas (based on site area), while net density can provide an additional measure to assist with the interpretation and assessment of the intensity of a development.’
It defines gross density as: ‘…a measure that includes all aspects of a site of any size, including the housing, commercial space, roads, open and public realm, schools and their grounds, and other uses. It is calculated using site area.’
And net density as: '...a measure that includes everything that is developed but excludes
major roads, open and public realm, schools and their grounds, and commercial and
community buildings. It is calculated using net development area.'
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Employment density ratio.
- Guiding light: Unlocking London's residential density.
- High quality high density homes.
- Higher density residential building.
- Higher density residential precinct.
- Housing density.
- Redefining density, making the best use of London’s land to build more and better homes.
- Urban density.
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Government approach could undermine delivery and regeneration.
World's first mass timber data centre.
The overlooked environmental aspect of data centre development.
Introduction to radon awareness
New technical information sheet published by CIOB.
Updated supplier guide can help electrical contractors engage with NHP.
CIAT confirm the winners of the 2026 architectural technology awards.
Government launches a one stop shop for flood preparedness.
Sir Edwin Lutyens: Britain's greatest architect? Book review.
CIOB publishes free template to help assess and manage risks.
ECA's reflections on Party Conference season
Burnham wants to be confident of winning before asking for a fresh mandate.
New Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser
Sergio Cavalaro, Professor of Infrastructure Systems at Loughborough University.
Building safety levy for England
CIAT publish estimator tool for members.
Water sector faces a growing crisis that could slow the delivery of vital infrastructure.