How can densification as an investment driver contribute to making the city more beautiful?
Dordrecht Densification Studies
Densification is a promising investment driver for strengthening, improving the health of and making Dordrecht more future-proof. The municipality of Dordrecht therefore commissioned densification principles, ranging from adding to, subdividing and transforming buildings, to densifying areas near amenities, stations, workplaces and green spaces.
Densification makes smart use of existing buildings and infrastructure. Building close to amenities strengthens social structures, improves quality of life and encourages the use of healthy transport options. More abstract challenges, such as the energy transition and socio-economic programmes, also benefit from investments in densification. In collaboration with urban strategists Ravenkop, we clarified the social benefits and avoided costs: from cleaner air and better cycle paths to a wider range of employment, education, recreation and cultural opportunities. These results have been incorporated into Dordrecht’s environmental vision, adopted in September 2025. Our nine densification principles show how densification can address the city’s major challenges, while simultaneously creating attractive neighbourhoods where people want to live, work and socialize.
data
- Location
- Dordrecht, Nl
- Size
- 9 947 ha
- Client
- Gemeente Dordrecht
- Discipline
- Urban Design
- Program
- Urbanization Strategy
- Period
- 2024
- Status
- In Development
- Partners
- Ravenkop
Where are the densification opportunities?
Depending on the specific context and challenges, densification can be implemented in various ways and locations,. Sometimes, for example, it can be done in collaboration with private individuals or housing corporations, by adding to, subdividing and renovating properties, or by redeveloping vacant municipal and private real estate. There are also opportunities within existing neighbourhood structures, for example, in areas with blank façades or missing links, and on underutilized land which can be transformed from neglected to valuable. Station areas and neighbourhood amenities offer excellent opportunities due to their central location, as do areas alongside green spaces which enhance quality of life in the neighbourhood and city. Furthermore, densification can take place in or adjacent to work areas, where mixed-use development can improve quality of life. Finally, densification can address broader neighbourhood challenges, such as socio-economic development, the energy transition and climate adaptation.
When used as an investment driver, densification offers society numerous advantages
The compact structure of Dordrecht means that both the city and nature are easily accessible by bike. This compactness is a quality that is maintained by densifying within this area, thereby strengthening its continuity and collective character.
There are numerous opportunities in the city. As well as small-scale principles at building and street level, several locations in Dordrecht can be identified where amenities encourage more intensive use. These include community centres, station areas, areas bordering green spaces, and some work areas
What densification delivers
When combined with investments in other areas, densification offers cities a wide range of benefits, from direct advantages to avoided costs. New construction can contribute to the sustainability of homes, stimulate flow and improve living conditions. A more balanced supply also makes neighbourhoods more future-proof. Housing a larger group of residents close to stations, shops and amenities makes these areas more stable and resilient, and easier to reach on foot, by bike or public transport. This boosts the transition to more sustainable mobility and frees up space for more greenery and water in streets, neighbourhoods and the city as a whole, thereby enhancing their attractiveness and climate resilience. Furthermore, densification enables investment in green spaces, improving environmental structures, accelerating the energy transition and enhancing the quality of existing housing. The densification challenge in Dordrecht therefore helps to create a future-proof city that is a more attractive place to work, relax, do business and travel, with the qualities of the street, neighbourhood and city at its heart
Densification opportunities in a station location (principle 5)
Densification opportunities in a neighbourhood centre (principle 6)
Densification opportunities in a work area (principle 8)
Densification opportunities in detail
Station locations (principle 5), neighbourhood centres (principle 6) and work areas (principle 8) each offer unique opportunities for densification. Densification around stations is a logical choice, given their excellent accessibility and significant potential for residential and commercial development. Clustering parking in mobility hubs frees up space for amenities and housing, improving the quality of life for pedestrians and cyclists. In neighbourhood centres, densification contributes to a pleasant living environment in which residents and businesses benefit from proximity; care and social interaction become easier, the social fabric is strengthened, and the vibrancy increases. Mixed-use development in work areas also creates potential: living and working are no longer strictly separated, so streets are lively even outside office hours, and various forms of work, from hobby spaces to car repair shops, can coexist.
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