The height of buildings, settlement density and their relationship with open spaces have an important place in the development of cities. Horizontal architectural approach may be preferred, especially in settlements where low-rise construction is prominent. So, what is horizontal architecture? This approach, which is preferred today according to different needs and urbanization models, has an important place in the planning of living spaces.
What is Horizontal Architecture?
Horizontal architecture is a construction approach in which buildings are spread over a wide area with fewer floors, instead of being multi-storey and high. In this model, open spaces, green areas, roads and social living areas around the buildings are among the important parts of the settlement plan. Examples of horizontal architecture include different building types such as detached houses, villas, low-rise apartment buildings and low-density housing projects. This approach, which differs from vertical architecture in terms of land use and population density, can be applied especially in regions with large residential areas.
What are the Features of Horizontal Architecture?
The form of construction in horizontal architecture is shaped by various features, from the height of the buildings to the density of settlement. The basic features of horizontal architecture can be listed as follows:
Horizontal architectural houses are generally planned as low-rise.
Instead of rising vertically, buildings are spread out over a larger area.
Building and population density is generally lower compared to high-rise settlements.
Green areas and open spaces can take up more space in the layout.
Building types such as detached houses, villas and low-rise apartments are common.
Buildings and surrounding social areas, roads and other usage areas can be planned together.
Since the settlement spreads over a large area, more land use may be needed.
These features enable horizontal architecture to create a settlement model with lower building density and spread over a larger area. However, the applicability of this form of construction may vary depending on land conditions, population density, zoning plans and development characteristics of the region.
Why is Horizontal Architecture Preferred?
Horizontal architecture can be preferred because it creates lower building density and allows living spaces to spread over a wide area. In this approach, where low-rise buildings predominate, more space can be allocated for green areas, gardens, social areas and common use areas. The ability of buildings to establish a stronger relationship with the environment and open spaces is among the reasons why horizontal architecture is preferred.
However, the population density of the region, land structure, transportation facilities and zoning conditions may be decisive in choosing horizontal architecture. Planning residential areas with lower density, especially in regions with sufficient land, can make horizontal construction a suitable option.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Horizontal Architecture?
While horizontal architecture offers various advantages in terms of building density, open space use and settlement layout, it may also have some disadvantages in terms of land use and urban expansion.
The advantages of horizontal architecture are generally:
Thanks to low-rise construction, lower building density can be created.
More space can be allocated to green areas, gardens and open use areas.
The relationship of residences with natural light and open spaces can be strengthened.
It allows the development of detached or low-rise housing options.
It can enable the planning of buildings and social areas in a larger area.
It can support the creation of quieter, lower-density residential areas.
In addition to these advantages, the spread of settlement over a wide area may bring about some planning and infrastructure problems, especially in densely populated areas. We can list the disadvantages of horizontal architecture as follows:
It may require more land use compared to vertical construction.
It may cause cities to spread towards surrounding areas.
Expanding settlements may require infrastructure and municipal services to be delivered to a larger area.
Increasing distances between settlements may increase the need for transportation.
It may be difficult to implement in areas where land supply is limited.
It may not be sufficient to meet the housing needs in densely populated cities.
What Are Horizontal Architectural Houses Like?
Horizontal architectural houses are generally low-rise residences with a building layout spread over a large area. In these houses, more space can be allocated to sections such as gardens, terraces, courtyards and common open areas. In addition to detached houses and villas, low-rise apartments and site projects can also be planned with a horizontal architectural approach.
The design of horizontal architectural houses may vary depending on the land structure of the region, climatic conditions, zoning plan and the intended use of the project. For this reason, horizontal architecture does not cover a specific type of housing, but a broader approach that expresses the settlement and development of buildings on the land.
What are the Differences Between Horizontal Architecture and Vertical Architecture?
The main difference between horizontal architecture and vertical architecture is how the structures are positioned on the land and in which direction the construction develops. The main differences between the two structuring approaches can be listed as follows:
Building height: While low-rise buildings stand out in horizontal architecture, multi-storey and high-rise buildings are preferred in vertical architecture.
Land use: While horizontal architecture requires a larger land use, vertical architecture can create more usage area in a more limited area.
Building density: While building density is generally lower in horizontal architecture, higher density can be achieved in a certain area in vertical architecture.
Use of open space: In horizontal architecture, more space can be allocated to gardens, courtyards and other open spaces. In vertical architecture, the size and use of open spaces vary according to the planning of the project.
Housing types: Detached houses, villas and low-rise apartments are more common in horizontal architecture, while multi-storey apartments and high-rise housing projects are more common in vertical architecture.
Infrastructure need: In horizontal settlements, infrastructure services need to be delivered to a larger area, while in vertical settlements, services can be planned in a more dense area.
Transportation: In horizontal architecture, the distance between residential areas can increase transportation distances. In vertical architecture, housing and different usage areas can be concentrated in a more limited area.
Suitability of both architectural approaches; It may vary depending on population density, land structure, zoning conditions and city planning goals.
How Does Horizontal Architecture Affect Urban Planning?
Horizontal architecture can cause cities to spread out over a larger area, creating low-density residential areas. It is important to plan green areas, social facilities, roads and public spaces in a balanced manner along with residences. Dispersing the settlement over a wide area also expands the coverage area of transportation networks and infrastructure services. Municipalities need to take into account the distances between residential areas when planning road, water, sewage and public transportation services. When evaluating the impact of horizontal architecture on city planning, land use, population density, transportation facilities, infrastructure requirements and the direction in which the city will develop in the future are considered together.
How Does Horizontal Architecture Affect Real Estate Value?
Although horizontal architecture is not a factor that alone determines real estate value, it can have an impact on the value through the characteristics of the house and the quality of the environment in which it is located. Low-rise construction, garden and open space use, building density, social facilities and landscaping are among the factors that affect the value of real estate. However, the value of real estate with similar architectural features may vary significantly depending on their location. For this reason, when evaluating a real estate, you can make a location analysis and examine the transportation facilities, infrastructure, social facilities, real estate prices in the surrounding area and the development potential of the region.
