Better use of existing urban areas thanks to digital analysis tool

21.07.2022 The efficient use of land and building stock shifts construction activity to existing, well-developed residential areas. A new analysis tool developed by researchers at the Institute for Urban Development Infrastructure ISI of Bern University of Applied Sciences BFH identifies and visualises their densification potential.

The densification potential of existing residential areas should be better exploited. This can counteract urban sprawl and take into account existing buildings as a valuable resource. Another advantage: new, denser forms of home ownership forms could help counteract the volatile real estate market and the rise in the price of residential property.

However, for this to happen, the potential for densification must first be identified. This is a challenge that researchers at the Institute for Urban Development Infrastructure ISI of Bern University of Applied Sciences BFH have taken up in collaboration with Raiffeisen Switzerland as part of the Innosuisse project AnaVis.

Digital decision-making tool

The result is the prototype of an analysis tool that can be used to identify and visualise the structural densification potential of properties. A parameterised procedure was developed to calculate the effective structural potential. Its basis is a digital, three-dimensional spatial model of the building stock, which is linked with building code parameters. This makes it possible to map which area is actually developed and where the potential for development exists. In the future, the analysis tool will be used in Raiffeisen’s homeowners consulting services. The aim is to provide customers with a global picture of the potential of their properties. Adapted scenarios can also be simulated. As such, this decision support tool is intended to promote sustainable renewal, addition and densification strategies in the real estate and homeownership market.

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