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Understanding the compact city from a gender perspective

Research project
Active research
Project size
3 100 000
Project period
2019 - 2023
Project owner
Unit för Human Geography, Department of Economy and Society

Short description

Densification and mixed land-use are leading concepts in Swedish spatial planning. The strategies aim for environmental sustainability, since increased proximity promotes shifts to sustainable modes of transport. Consequently, densified cities are expected to reduce energy consumption and emissions. Important is, however, to understand what groups are most inclined to use nearby activities, and under what conditions.

The project investigates this question from a gender perspective. Combining survey data and in-depth interviews, we examine which nearby services, retails and activities women and men want and use in everyday life. Further, we examine what role the compact city plays in households’ strategies to cope with everyday life, and how it supports strategies based on proximity, sustainable mobility and a gender equal everyday life. By improving knowledge about considerations of different groups, the study contributes to the development of sustainable planning practices.