High Density, Not High Rise: A Tale of Two Cities – Barcelona & Dublin

When people hear “high density,” they often picture skylines peppered with towering skyscrapers. But successful urban density isn’t about height—it’s about how space is used. Nowhere is this more evident than in a comparison between Barcelona and Dublin.

Barcelona is one of Europe’s most densely populated cities, with approximately 16,000 people per square kilometre in areas like the iconic Eixample. Designed in the 19th century by Ildefons Cerdà, this district exemplifies how mid-rise buildings—usually six to eight storeys—can create vibrant, walkable, and highly efficient neighbourhoods.

The secret? Uniformity of scale, perimeter blocks with internal courtyards, and a street grid that balances vehicles, pedestrians, and public transport. Despite the density, the city feels livable, light-filled, and human-scaled. Barcelona proves that high density doesn’t require high-rise towers—just good urban design.

Contrast this with Dublin, which, despite having a metropolitan population approaching two million, remains one of the least dense capital cities in Europe. Suburban sprawl, car dependency, and low-rise housing (often one to two storeys) dominate much of the city. While charming, this development model consumes vast land resources and strains infrastructure and services.

Dublin’s average urban density is around 4,500 people per square kilometre—less than a third of Barcelona’s. This disconnect leads to a paradox: a housing crisis amid an abundance of space.

What cities like Dublin can learn from Barcelona is that increasing density doesn’t mean sacrificing character or comfort. Mid-rise developments, up to eight storeys, strike a balance—delivering the critical mass needed to support shops, schools, and public transport, while preserving sunlight, walkability, and a sense of community.

The challenge is cultural and political as much as architectural. In Ireland, taller buildings are often met with resistance. But we must redefine what “tall” means. In urban design terms, six to eight storeys is not high—it’s optimal.

As we grapple with housing shortages, climate change, and urban sprawl, Dublin has a chance to rethink its growth. By embracing medium-density, human-scaled development, the city can become more efficient, sustainable, and liveable—without losing its soul.