The importance of the urban greening factor x density

Image: courtesy of MICA Architects, showing its work for Oxford Brookes University student accommodation

Student housing has seen a boom in UK cities, but what of the temptation to build without considering the 'urban greening factor'?

The importance of providing greening for student accommodation was introduced in our recent 'Housing 2024' debate by Jessie Turnbull, Senior Associate at MICA Architects. She was asked about the issue of building without considering the surrounding environment, something that the firm is strongly against. But first she was invited to talk about how her MICA's work on the urban greening factor came about.

Jessie said:

'This work won an award and was for the LLDC. We collected examples from all over the world to answer the question on how you can demonstrate high quality green density? Metric greening is understood in the GLA but we wanted to improve on aspects of greening involving biophilia and create spaces that are enjoyable to live in. It has even been proven that seeing a tree from your home can stop you becoming violent or committing a crime. Work by the Mayor of London has shown that young kids have died from poor air quality, so greening is very important.'

MICA were employed by the London Legacy Development Corporation to undertake research into Urban Greening Factor (UGF). The research examines how to best deliver urban greening in high density residentially led developments through the analysis and review of projects delivered in London, the UK, and the world.

Ten UK projects and nine global projects have been assessed to cover a range of residential typologies, including industrial co-location, student accommodation, residentially led and masterplans and buildings that interface with transport infrastructure.

Further research and engagement were undertaken with developers to determine client priorities and policy drivers including net zero ambition; project briefing in relation to green infrastructure; budgets and costing needed to meet the London Plan UGF policy criteria; maintenance and ongoing management. The study concludes with a list of recommendations for a variety of audiences including those: applying for planning permission, planning officers and clients. It also demonstrates meaningful, sustainable, and innovative solutions that can be used to increase UGF in high density residential developments.

Nature has been important to the design of Clive Booth Village for Oxford Brookes University, which MICA is undertaking. It describes the project:

'The redevelopment of the Clive Booth Student Village (CBSV) is an exciting opportunity to create a unique ‘living and learning’ environment for Oxford Brookes University (OBU) students within a verdant woodland setting close to the main campus and Headington Hill Park.

'A large number of the existing buildings on the site are now 30 years old. There is a need to redevelop the accommodation so that living arrangements continue to be of a high quality for our students and we can improve and modernise the site. The design is the result of a 10-20 year plan for the University’s key Oxford campus at Headington to create a vibrant academic community, using the estate more efficiently and delivering better services for students, staff and the community.

'The design features twelve sensitively designed buildings that cascade through the wooded slopes between existing and new tree canopies. Landscape and building are closely related with the informed by the existing trees and views to the site from both the city and adjoining vantage points. The buildings overlook external sloped gardens and frame new ‘outdoor rooms.’

Jessie commented:

'Of course, the money comes from getting students through the door and into their accommodation. At first the landscape wasn't complete and a month's worth of rain fell in one morning. There is a fifteen meter slope and the site is in a water shed. But gradually the rain soaked away and it just showed the importance of planting and building in ecology.'

Image: courtesy of MICA Architects