The Optimal Heights of Multi Families High Density Urban Housing (Case Study: Al-Ayadi Residential Complex in Baghdad)

Abstract

This research dealt with the optimum heights of multi-family urban housing in the city of Baghdad. The research problem was represented by the lack of clarity of the relationship between housing density and the high-density multi-family housing heights, which led to some negative effects on the environmental, social, and physical levels. The aim of the research is to find suitable heights limits for multi-family housing buildings, to recommend their adoption within the framework of planning and design determinants and standards. For the purpose of solving the research problem and achieving its goals, a hypothesis has been developed stating that: The optimum height of the dense multi-family residential building is achieved in light of a balanced outcome of the impact factors produced by the density. By adopting the analytical descriptive approach, the research began by analyzing the type of multi-family housing, then studying the relationship between housing density as an independent variable, and height as a dependent variable. Then study the height in light of the effects produced by density, I mean the economic, social, environmental, and physical influences. From that, it was possible to extract indicators in the form (relative weights) to determine the optimization of heights, within the range specified by the densities. The practical study involved the application of the obtained indicators to determine the optimum heights of the residential buildings of the Al-Ayadi residential complex in the city of Baghdad. The results of the application showed that the economic influencer supports the high heights, and the social influencer supports the medium heights, while the environmental and physical influence support the lower ones. In total, the optimal rate of height in the complex, according to the study, is determined by a height of (5-8 floors), while the actual height reached (10) floors