Physical Density and Urban Sprawl: A Case of Dhaka City - KTH

Carlos Barquin et. el. (1986) employ the variables of plot area, plot ratio and plot exposure to
characterise the plot in low income settlements in India where the plot size is 15- 37 square
meters. Plot area (Figure 2.6.1) simply refers to the size of the plots and enables one to asses
the variations across settlements, while plot ratio (figure 2.6.2) refers to the proportion
between the width and depth of the plots. Plot exposure (figure 2.6.3) refers to the number of
sides the plot or building has that are contiguous to public open spaces or streets. They also
argue that when plots are very small (smallness will depend on market demand, user
perceptions and living habits), the plot is entirely built up. This phenomenon occurs in many
countries where owner builders inevitably build over space that was intended for patios and
courtyards. This is certainly the case for low income urban settlements in India. In a house
that entirely covers the plot, the only possibility for door and windows will open on those
sides of the plot that are adjacent to non built public open space. Hence the importance of
exposure as measure of amenity (Barquin et.el,1986:7). In a country like Bangladesh where
the weather is hot and humid and land coverage is so high, adequate plot exposure can
facilitate cross ventilation and daylight exposure. So the exposure of plot is analysed in the
study.
Fig 2.6.1: plot area Fig 2.6.1: Plot Ratio
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Fig 2.6.1: Plot exposure
Figure 2.6: Plot area, ratio and exposure. Source: Carlos Barquin et.el.,1986:2
2.4 Spatial qualities
In a city like Dhaka located within hot humid climates, the dwelling environments are
mediated by the way houses have been organised to facilitate maximum cross-ventilation and
comfortable use of spaces. In a different context but similar climate and poverty situation
Kyhn notes that
“For people in the tropics, it is normal to eat, work and play outdoors and to
seek shelter of a house only when the need for privacy demands it, and thus
the treatment of the adjoining ground should be seen as an extension of the
homes. Outdoor life in a warm humid climate is only pleasant if there is a
breeze, shade and protection from rain”. (Kyhn, 1984:54 in Lupala, 2002:25).
The availability of breeze, shade and protection from rain in the hot humid weather are the
part of good spatial qualities. Kyhn’s argument shows that in a hot humid weather people
generally want to eat, work and play in the outdoors and thus the treatment of the adjoining
ground should be seen as an extension of the homes. The adjoining ground is only pleasant if
there is breeze, shade and protection from rain.