horizontalen

Horizontalen is a theoretical framework in urban design and architecture that emphasizes spreading built form across broad horizontal planes rather than stacking in vertical towers. Proponents argue that horizontal expansion enables greater connectivity, permeability, and integration with landscape, while offering human-scale environments and resilient responses to climate adaptation.

The term appears in scholarly discussions since the early 21st century, drawing from the word horizontal and the plural suffix -en used in some European languages to denote a collective or principle. It is not tied to a single school, but rather used to describe a design typology or planning approach.

Key principles include low- to mid-rise building typologies, dense but distributed neighborhoods, continuous pedestrian networks, and public spaces at grade. The approach favors polycentric, garden-like layouts, expansive public parks, and floor-level permeability that connects streets, courtyards, and landscapes with minimal visual obstruction by high-rise edges.

In history and applications, horizontalen has been discussed in contrast to vertical growth patterns seen in high-density megacities and to the modernist ideal of tall, iconic towers. It has influenced debates within New Urbanism, eco-cities, and suburban retrofitting, where planners seek to maintain accessibility and human scale while accommodating growth.

Criticisms include potential land use efficiency concerns, higher infrastructure costs per resident, and greater dependence on car networks unless complemented by strong transit and micro-mobility. Critics also argue that without careful design it can lead to sprawl and ecological fragmentation.

See also garden city, New Urbanism, polycentric city, low-density development, horizontal zoning.