Space Ratio is a novel technique that describes the ratio of the existing density to the permissible density (Bolton, 2021). Space Ratio calculates density potentials: the lower the Space Ratio, the more room there is for residential extensions, for instance.

The Space Ratio Chart is a technique for visualising Space Ratio that can also be customised using different scenarios and a range of measures denoting density potentials.

If utilised cautiously and contextually, Bolton (2021) states that Space Ratio could be deployed by planners and designers to compare density scenarios and facilitate sustainable densification. The journal article on Space Ratio and the Space Ratio Chart can be accessed via Sustainable Cities and Society.

Publication
Bolton, L.T. (2021). ‘Space ratio: a measure of density potentials in the built environment’, Sustainable Cities and Society, 75, p.103356. doi: 10.1016/j.scs.2021.103356.

spaceratio

Space Ratio Charts can be generated in R using the spaceratio package. Published in 2023, the R package can be installed via Github.

library(spaceratio)

# Density variables
d_var = c("FAR", "H", "DPH")

# Space Ratios
s_val = c(0.91, 0.83, 1)

# Visualise the Space Ratio Chart
spaceratio(density_var = d_var, space_ratio = s_val, output = 'plot')