Apartment building

Real world Why cities need them

More than half of the world's people now live in cities, and the United Nations expects that share to reach about two thirds by 2050. Apartment buildings let many households live on a small piece of land, close to jobs, schools and services.

When more people live close together, it becomes worthwhile to run frequent buses, open local shops and build parks within walking distance. Shared walls also mean apartments usually need less energy to heat than detached houses.

Real world How they are built

Mid-rise apartment buildings are often built with a concrete or steel frame, or increasingly with engineered timber. Floors are stacked one above another, and each apartment is separated by walls and floors designed to block fire and noise.

Building codes require safe ways out in a fire: protected stairways, fire doors that close by themselves, smoke alarms and, in many places, sprinklers. Larger buildings need elevators so that everyone, including people using wheelchairs, can reach every floor.

Real world Living together

Sharing a building means sharing decisions: who cleans the stairs, how to fix the roof, how loud is too loud. Good design helps, with bright entrances, places to store bikes and strollers, courtyards and balconies that give each home some outdoor space.

Think about it

1. What would you share with your neighbors if you lived here?
2. How do people using wheelchairs or strollers reach the upper floors?
3. Why might a bus route be easier to run near apartment buildings?

Key words

Density

How many people or homes are in an area.

Fire separation

Walls and floors built to stop fire spreading.

Mid-rise

A building of about four to twelve floors.