Assessing the balance between urban developmentand densification: consolidated practices and new challenges

The high-density city has been considered a controversial model, since itdoes notensuresustainabilitya prioriif not supportedby a control of the justdensity and the promotion of natural spaces in the urban environment, fosteringgood living conditions and wellbeing. Understanding the right limit between urban developmentand densification, accompanied by the enhancement of urban natural spaces and ecosystem services, hasbecoming crucial to preventpandemic effectsas well. Tothis aim, assessing frameworksare already available to urban planners to make informed decisions as wellas the knowledge on the role of green infrastructures and ecosystem servicesthat can guarantee urbanhealthand quality life.The paper aims at rediscovering these findings in the new perspective of the pandemics