Balancing green and compact city: Assessing the quality of residential surroundings

Cities often grapple with the challenge of balancing high-density and accessible green spaces (GS), which are frequently viewed as conflicting priorities. This article investigates whether compact urban forms compromise green infrastructure quality, focusing on residential developments in Poznan (PL) and Copenhagen (DK). The research questions also concern how compactness and greenery interact within urban planning frameworks.
Utilizing a comparative methodology, the study assesses multifamily housing in both cities through quantitative analyses of GS quality and urban density. Findings reveal that while Poznan and Copenhagen have similar ratios of built-up areas to GS, Copenhagen offers higher-quality GS through innovative planning that compensates for their smaller size. Poznań's larger green spaces offer less ecological and recreational value. This nuanced relationship indicates that simple area metrics may not adequately reflect urban environment quality. The study underscores the need to consider environmental and recreational factors in the development of effective green spaces in multifamily housing in compact cities.