Trend Cities growing inward: redensification replacing urban sprawl

Summary

The report sees a counter-trend emerging among cities that spent decades expanding outward and often merging their administrative boundaries, namely growth turned inward. Redensification seeks to reverse urban sprawl and restore the traditional model of compact, sustainable cities. Its tools include raising buildable density in developed areas, changing housing types, building on empty plots and mixing land uses so that everyday activities share the same space. Unlike dispersed neighbourhoods that force long trips for shopping or the cinema and push up car use, redensification brings daily services close to homes, supporting environmental sustainability and active mobility. Spanish data show that denser cities see more short trips and have residents living closer to essential services. If the model spreads, the report expects future cities to become networks of connected centres where the main daily services are within walking distance.