The ideal footprint concept can be used to calculate the optimum population density for any community. The basic footprint calculates to six people per acre(15 people per hectare). This figure is correct for a completely self-sufficient community, however not all communities will be the same. Some communities will create surpluses, and others will not be self-sufficient. Communities that are not self-sufficient must have higher population densities, because another community will require the land area to produce for them. Likewise, the more surplus a community supplies to non self-sufficient communities will decrease the population density. The one exception to this rule are communities that favor higher density so they have extra space for increased common areas or living space. Vertical development is the primary way to increase density beyond the basic footprint concept, because the footprint is based upon all structures being a single story. If a community has multiple stories for living and business space, then it will have additional land space for other uses. The basic method of calculating density follows: Basic Single Story 1) 6 people per acre(15 people per hectare) for self-sufficient community. 7260 sq ft per person(653.4 sq m) 2) 9 people per acre(22.5 people per hectare) if a community produces all food but no durable/consumer goods, because 2500 sq ft(225 sq m) per person (durable/consumer goods) must be subtracted from the 7260 sq ft(653.4 sq m) per person. 7260 sq ft(653.4 sq m) - 2500 sq ft(225 sq m) = 4760 sq ft(428 sq m) per person 3) 19 people per acre(47.5 people per hectare) if they do not produce food or durable/consumer goods. 7260 sq ft(653.4 sq m) - {2500 sq ft(225 sq m) - 2500 sq ft(225 sq m)} = 2260 sq ft(203.4 sq m) per person 4) 4.5 people per acre(11.25 people per hectare) if self- sufficient and provides food surplus for equal size community. 7260 sq ft(653.4 sq m) 2500 sq ft(225sq m) = 9760 sq ft(878.4 sq m) per person 5) 3.5 people per acre(8.75 people per hectare) if self-sufficient and provides food and durable/consumer surplus for equal size community. 7260 sq ft(653.4 sq m) {2500 sq ft(225 sq m) 2500 sq ft(225 sq m)} = 12,260 sq ft(1103.4 sq m) per person 6) 1 person per acre(2.5 people per hectare) if self sufficient and provides food and durable/consumer surplus for a community 7.25 times larger than its own size. 7260 sq ft(653.4 sq m) {2500 sq ft(225 sq m) 2500 sq ft(225 sq m)}7.25 = 43510 sq ft(3915.9 sq m) per person. |