1.    Mapping of Building Densities in Greater Khartoum:-
Thisresearch project involves measuringand recording existing building densities in Greater Khartoum andrelate them to former and active planning legislations influencing the areaas well as selective influential historic and socioeconomic variables. Theaim is to collect and analyze enough data reflecting Building Densities inGreater Khartoum in order to facilitate a planned approach to policiesdealing with densitie,s based on extensive knowledge of the current situationand clearly stated objectives for intensification as well as formulating athoroughly grounded data base for further related research.

2.    Households and Urban density: How does the planning goal ’urban density’ correspond to people’s residential choices and everyday life?

Today there are conflicts between the life goals of individuals and the planning goal of a more compact, presumably sustainable, city. If planning of the physical environment is to influence individuals’ choices of dwelling, place of work and choice of travelling modes, planners must understand what Individuals and houshold value and prefer in their daily life. Thus, research at the micro level of households is needed.

The aim of the project is to detect and analyse the desired qualities of different urban environments, by studying households’ actual use and intereaction with their environment, as well as their valuation of offered opportunities for work, service, leisure activities, culture and education within areas of different densities. The contribution of the study will be a deeper understanding of what urban density means in the daily life of households.

The main study is a survey covering around 1000 households within Greater Khartoum. Five study areas are selected to illustrate different urban densities and structure, from inner city to exurban or edge neighbourhoods. The survey measures the most important opportunities offered by the environment of the household, such as place of work, shcools, shops, recreation facilities and social networks. The availability of opportunities in different urban structures is described and relationships between density and life styles are tested.