Urban Design Tools Research Articles

BP neural network multi-module green roof thermal performance prediction model optimized based on sparrow search algorithm

Green roofs, as a passive building energy-saving technology, offer a range of benefits including reduced energy consumption and mitigation of the urban heat island effect. To analyze the thermal performance of green roofs more accurately and efficiently, this study introduces a novel predictive model that utilizes a Sparrow Search Algorithm (SSA) optimized Backpropagation Neural Network (BPNN) for forecasting the thermal performance of green roofs in subtropical regions. Compared to traditional BPNN, the SSA-BPNN model enhances the network's convergence and generalization capabilities by optimizing initial weights and thresholds. The model, established using meteorological data from Guangzhou, China, and simulated green roof temperature data, underwent rigorous training and validation. The results indicate that predictive accuracy has significantly improved across all seasons, with substantial reductions in all 12 evaluation metrics, and the model GR3 (SSA-BP) emerging as the optimal model. Particularly in summer, the SSA-BPNN model exhibits the highest accuracy, underscoring its effectiveness for subtropical climates. The findings suggest that the SSA-BPNN model is a powerful tool for sustainable urban planning and green roof design in subtropical regions, marking a significant advancement in the integration of artificial intelligence in environmental engineering.

Testing the Capability of AI Art Tools for Urban Design.

This study aimed to evaluate the performance of three artificial intelligence (AI) image synthesis models, Dall-E 2, Stable Diffusion, and Midjourney, in generating urban design imagery based on scene descriptions. A total of 240 images were generated and evaluated by two independent professional evaluators using an adapted sensibleness and specificity average metric. The results showed significant differences between the three AI models, as well as differing scores across urban scenes, suggesting that some projects and design elements may be more challenging for AI art generators to represent visually. Analysis of individual design elements showed high accuracy in common features like skyscrapers and lawns, but less frequency in depicting unique elements such as sculptures and transit stops. AI-generated urban designs have potential applications in the early stages of exploration when rapid ideation and visual brainstorming are key. Future research could broaden the style range and include more diverse evaluative metrics. The study aims to guide the development of AI models for more nuanced and inclusive urban design applications, enhancing tools for architects and urban planners.

An Estimation of the Available Spatial Intensity of Solar Energy in Urban Blocks in Wuhan, China

Urban form is an important factor affecting urban energy. However, the design of urban form and energy mostly belong to two separate disciplines and fields, and urban energy planning research rarely considers their mutual relationship. The available space intensity (ASI) of solar energy is formed on the basis of energy planning and urban design; the objective of this research is to evaluate the impact of urban form on the ASI of solar energy and to propose strategies for planning of the space that is available for solar energy so as to improve the efficiency of urban energy utilization and achieve sustainable urban development. Methodologically, this study firstly proposes a model to quantify the ASI of solar energy using three indicators: solar radiation intensity (SRI), solar installation intensity (SII), and solar generation intensity (SEGI). Then, we quantitatively calculate the solar ASI of nine types of typical urban blocks in a sub-center of Wuhan City, Nanhu. Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis are then used to analyze the correlation between the form indicators and solar ASI, as well as the degree of influence. The results show that the differences in SRI, SII, and SEGI amongst the nine types of city blocks were as high as 114.61%, 162.50%, and 61.01%. The solar ASI was mainly affected by three form indicators: the building coverage ratio, the average building height, and the volume-to-area ratio. Reducing the building coverage ratio and increasing vertical development at the same time can effectively improve the ASI of solar energy. The results of this study and the established method provide an important reference and rapid calculation tool for urban energy planning and design, reducing the data and time usually required for solar analysis at the block scale.

UDGAN: A new urban design inspiration approach driven by using generative adversarial networks

Abstract The morphological design of urban space affects the quality of the environment. The traditional experience-based design approach was greatly improved by introducing computational design tools. However, the existing urban design tools are mostly developed on pre-set rules or given targets, which have few contributions to enhance creativity or generate inspiring schemes. Therefore, this paper proposes a new computational urban design approach named UDGAN, integrating generative adversarial networks (GANs) and multi-objective optimization algorithms. This model utilizes urban design scheme plans over the past 20 years from a particular designer as training datasets. Four preference models were trained to autonomously generate stylized urban design schemes. Eight morphological parameters were used to analyze the model performance by comparing generated results with the ground truth. This GAN-based surrogate approach is combined with a morphological indicator alignment process using multi-objective optimization model to obtain better results. The result shows that the R2 predicted by the improved Pix2Pix model reaches 0.798, and the similarity of the generated results can be stably distributed between 0.7 and 0.8, so the design scheme of this preferred style can be effectively learned. At the same time, the pre-trained model greatly reduces the time consumption of the design scheme generation, taking 5 min approximately to complete a generation process. This approach quickly generated the design scheme with preferred features, supporting the designer with creativity and greatly saving the time of design creation, transforming computational design into an inspiration-driven process.

Detailed urban plan – between specific regulation and uncertain legal nature

Spatial planning and town planning are regulated in the provisions of Law no. 350/2001 and have as their basic purpose the establishment at a centralized level of a unitary framework for the development and planning of all construction, reconstruction and restructuring works.
 The detailed urban plan is a frequently encountered urban design tool in the field of territorial planning, and obtaining it is required in some situations precisely to respect the need for public safety and security, being a concrete application of the elements of the local urban planning regulation.
 Although it is classified as a specific regulation, the detailed urban plan does not enjoy a coherent and predictable legal framework, the proof of this fact being the extensive jurisprudential discussions regarding the legal nature of this administrative act, and the objective of this paper is to analyze the legal incidents and national jurisprudence provisions to answer the question of whether the determination of the legal nature of the detailed urban plan can affect the imperative of public safety and security of legal relations.

Tools or Tokenism? Participative Design Strategies in the International Laboratory for Architecture & Urban Design (1976-1978)

This paper compares three projects presented at the International Laboratory for Architecture & Urban Design (ILA&UD, 1976-2015) that focused on increasing user participation. ILA&UD was an experimental educational platform that uniquely operated in the crevices of architecture, urban design, and planning. Established by Giancarlo de Carlo in 1976, it was one of many networks emerging in Europe centered on urban form after the post-war reconstruction period. This paper focuses on the formative ILA&UD years (1976-1978), in which the notions of participation and reuse were central. ILA&UD is a discursive site to study debates on participation before they even involved the “user” and before they were carved in stone. By contrasting De Carlo’s studio briefs with three illustrative urban design projects presented by participants from KU Leuven, MIT and ETH Zürich, this paper aims to highlight that the ongoing search for urban design tools and methodologies was indecisively teetering between autonomous and heteronomous approaches to urban form. The three projects explore a range of attitudes, from confirming the power of inhabitation to designing with users. By focusing on ambivalences in the discourse, the paper hopes to nuance the dominant perception that participation entailed, as Kenny Cupers observed, “a straightforward course of empowerment for those involved.”

Public Space and Play Theory

Public spaces serve as the sensory system of urban life, and are crucial for interconnecting individuals, ideas, and cultures within the fabric of cities. This study provides a fresh interpretation of public spaces by examining people’s activities from a new perspective. By applying play theory to public space analysis, the study uncovers spontaneous and unplanned activities and the novel relationships which exist between users and their environments. In so doing it paves the way for a new approach to public space design. With a focus on Aachen as a place of play, this study seeks to develop urban design tools that take into account users’ leisure time activities. By recognizing the unique relationships that play can create between individuals and their surroundings in terms of perceptions, intentions, actions, and uses of space, the research encourages a fresh perspective on urban design tools. Ultimately, the findings of this study offer a new design approach for creating public spaces that are more participating, inclusive, and user-centred.

Neuroarchitecture From the Perspective of Circadian Rhythm, Physical, and Mental Health

The field of neuroarchitecture explores how various architectural elements impact human physical and mental health, based on neuroscience principles. With the development of functional neuroimaging and electroencephalogram studies, researchers can now visualize and quantify how different architectural factors affect brain activity, emotions, and cognition. Mobile Brain/Body Imaging is a new research methodology that records a moving person’s brain activity and bodily sensations in real time, promising to be a useful tool for space and urban design. In this article, we discuss neuroarchitecture from the perspective of circadian rhythm, physical health, and mental health. Studies have shown that artificial light at night disrupts the circadian rhythm, leading to acute and chronic negative health effects. Conversely, creating a personcentered light environment or incorporating nature-like elements can have a positive impact on health. Research has also shown that exposure to nature reduces self-rumination and contributes to psychological well-being. Neuroarchitecture studies on other factors, such as ceiling height, wall colors, and the movement of people in the building, should be expanded to gain greater insights and practical applications. The convergence of neuroscience and architecture has the potential to identify architectural elements that benefit human physical and mental health.

Spatial intelligence: integration of land use to connectivity in the context of eastern urbanism

PurposeThere is an urgent need to develop a systematic tool for urban design in the cities of the Klang Valley, Malaysia. Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG11) proposes ideas to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. This paper approaches this goal through land use, integrated into an effective connectivity network. It offers a scientific and systematic approach. The research employs Space Syntax of the University College London as a tool for urban analysis and the principles of Sustainable Street Networks developed by the Congress of New Urbanism to respond to connectivity issues.Design/methodology/approachThe paper employs empirical research through case studies. A systematic literature review is conducted on the diversified applications of the Space Syntax correlations, which steered the fundamental analysis of the elements of deconstruction to structure and land use. Space Syntax and Sustainable Street Network characteristics were the essential research methods. It is important to note that these data a new finding on the Syntactic Maps of the two case study cities.FindingsThe paper summarises a set of results on (1) international comparison of spatial intelligence, (2) patterns from the Eastern cases and (3) theoretical guidelines for spatial intelligence through the Syntax by offering key characteristics of the New Urbanism principles, which could be considered, while revitalising the cities in the Klang Valley, Malaysia.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are specific and applicable to the oriental contexts. However, such results have been further compared to the Western context.Practical implicationsThe study develops a toolkit for urban planners and designers and architects in Klang Valley, Malaysia.Social implicationsThe research has focused and will add value for SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Theoretically, the paper offers insights to urban design readers.Originality/valueIt is important to note that the data itself is a new finding on Syntactic Maps of the two case study cities. The investigated setting is unique, and the first attempt in generating a Space Syntax map to the cities of Klang Valley, and the findings, therefore, offer a new set of knowledge-base to the city planners, urban designers, researchers and architects.

К вопросу комфортной городской среды: социологические аспекты развития (с обращением к кейсу г. Владивостока)

The article contains the author’s generalization of the available research data for the purpose of sociological representation of the urban environment comfort and design tools for its development. The subject of the study is presented as a parameter of socio-spatial development and as a task, the importance of which is articulated at the state level and has its own regulatory, documentary and expert confirmation. The study used methods of content analysis and expert online interviewing of a semi-formalized type. The comfort parameter is shown through a number of target and instrumental components; the conditions for its development are highlighted. Expertly formulated important principles for the development of a comfortable urban environment are as follows: striving for a social balance of interests of the subjects involved; ensuring trust between them; development of the human potential of the city. Digitalization itself and the Smart City concept in particular are neutral tools; their nature and effectiveness depend on what tasks they solve, how they fit into the specifics of certain spaces. A number of related factors and implementation risks are formulated with reference to a specific case; its representativeness to the declared topic is shown. Possible directions for further efforts to address them are noted.

Mosque as a multi-functional public space destination: potential breathing space in dense urban fabrics of Hail City, Saudi Arabia

PurposeThe general concept of public space in Saudi Arabia is relatively recent; it is the result of an attempt to modernize several conservative traditions and norms, as well as the ambitious vision of 2030, which reprioritized Saudi cities' public spaces by implementing a quality-of-life improvement program. This study aims to investigate the relationship between mosque location and surrounding urban context as a significant urban design issue in order to comprehend the potential for transforming such an element into a multifunctional public space destination in a dense urban fabric.Design/methodology/approachThe study's objectives are divided into two areas: a spatial configuration analysis to examine the urban context and an urban analysis of the mosque site with a study area boundary of a 400-m buffer zone. Quantitative and qualitative methodologies were utilized; in addition, a user feedback survey was conducted in which several key insights were compiled, such as the importance of safety urban element factors, aesthetic elements and green areas in the built environment in making mosques places that are active public spaces.FindingsThe study’s main finding encourages governmental institutions to change their mindset from “open space around the mosque” to “the mosque as an element within public space,” which will have a significant impact on how the authors approach, improve and redevelop existing mosque locations. Several concepts were presented that should be reconsidered and redeveloped in order to align with the most recent sustainable urban design tools; the mosque to be overlooked as a community gathering place rather than just a place for religious rituals.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited to sacred mosque sites primarily found in Islamic countries; it focuses on Saudi Arabian urban and planning practices in relation to sociocultural norms. The authors believe that increasing the number of study samples or broadening the scope of the study to include other Saudi regions or other Middle Eastern countries could yield new findings and insights.Originality/valueThe study offers a conceptual design model based on survey results and qualitative analysis and recommending strategies that planners, designers and policymakers can use to design successful mosque places and pedestrian-oriented developments.

The role of adaptive reuse in historic urban landscapes towards cities of inclusion. The case of acre

PurposeCities are facing challenges that dramatically affect their social and physical landscapes, leading to the increase of urban segregation and polarization. One response to these challenges is adaptive reuse, yet, in heterogeneous communities, these adaptations are often a source of conflict, because local actions often lack an integrative approach, leading to further exclusion. In this paper the authors explore the potential of adaptive reuse of urban heritage as a planning tool to support inclusiveness and heterogeneity.Design/methodology/approachThe city of Acre is used as a case study, where different scenarios for urban heritage are proposed and tested among stakeholders through interviews. These aim to explore how adaptive reuse processes can lead to the inclusion or exclusion of certain groups and how design interventions in historic urban landscapes challenge the way the current disconnected historic and urban layers interact.FindingsThe paper presents the commonalities and differences between the interviewees' perceptions on Acre's functioning, their idea of inclusiveness and other aspects related to urban design. Moreover, it highlights the existing conflicts of interest, value prioritization and the adequacy of the proposed scenarios, serving as a way to verify the accuracy of the scenario building process.Originality/valueTesting an urban design tool related to adaptive reuse of urban heritage in a real and extreme case, based on the guidelines of the Historic Urban Landscape Recommendation; and critically analysing the sources of conflict and value systems to address inclusion in heterogenous settings.

A Procedural Modeling Approach for Ecosystem Services and Geodesign Visualization in Old Town Pocatello, Idaho

City population has been growing rapidly worldwide due to urban expansion, which can bring negative impacts on local ecosystem services (ES). Efficient tools for urban design and visualization are essential for city planners and stakeholders to better understand the valuation impact of plans for future sustainable development. Current urban design methods are mainly based on a 2D perspective and lack vertical visualization. Although conventional 3D modeling was introduced to address these limitations, it still has some challenges, such as requiring powerful computing resources and specialized training. Procedural 3D modeling is a grammar-based set of rules that can effectively generate 3D models and enhance spatial visualization when compared with conventional 2D or 3D methods. This paper describes a framework for developing a geodesign tool in Old Town Pocatello, Idaho, USA using procedural modeling to improve planning and visualization for urban design, including (1) Geospatial data preparation in ArcGIS, (2) 3D cityscape model generation in CityEngine, and (3) interactive visualization applications for multiple platforms developed with the Unity game engine. Pocatello is a mid-sized city in southeast Idaho that faces several challenges towards integrating ecosystem services in urban design. As a case study in ecosystem service modelling, we proposed a green scenario for Old Town to demonstrate a tool where permeable surfaces were increased from 37% to 45% to help mitigate urban land surface temperature and improve stormwater management. This geodesign tool offers city planners and stakeholders an opportunity to visualize and analyze block-level scenarios in real time. The interactive applications can encourage public participation in the design process. More ES measurements can be implemented into this tool in the future. The techniques of 3D procedural modeling and ES modeling in this study are also applicable to other small to mid-sized cities worldwide.

Measuring urban sustainability performance through composite indicators for Spanish cities

The role that cities play in the transition to more sustainable growth is gaining increasing recognition. Measuring progress towards sustainable urban development requires quantifying this multi-dimensional phenomenon with the help of composite indicators. The purpose of this study is to propose an integrated approach to build a sustainable cities’ interval of composite indicators that rely on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework. In addition, we propose to overcome the problem of calculating a single number by constructing a strong-weak sustainability performance interval depending on the choice of the compensability level in the aggregation stage of individual indicators. One of the advantages of this interval is that it provides information on both the average performance and the worst value of the set of indicators considered for each SDG. Moreover, it also extends the analysis for the people, planet, prosperity, peace, and partnership dimensions defined by the 2030 Agenda. As an example of application, we constructed these intervals for 50 Spanish cities, which are provincial capitals. This application lets us get a more accurate vision that can serve as a valuable tool for better urban planning design. • SDGs-based composite indicators foster knowledge and insight on urban sustainability. • Monitoring SDGs performance by an interval of composite indicators support urban planning. • Strong and weak aggregation rules are applied to deal with compensability among criteria. • Warning signals on the SDGs low performance are highlighted by the lower bound of the interval. • A comprehensive picture of urban sustainability for 50 Spanish capitals of province is provided.

Predicting future urban waterlogging-prone areas by coupling the maximum entropy and FLUS model

• We aim to develop a robust method for predicting future waterlogging-prone areas. • Maximum entropy algorithm and Future Land Use Simulation model were combined. • Dominant driver of waterlogging (land use change) was considered in the prediction. • A high proportion of impervious surfaces may face huge waterlogging risks in 2030. • This method could support future urban design and waterlogging risk prevention. Urban waterlogging is a severe hazard that can directly damage environmental quality and human well-being. It would be desirable for hazard mitigation planning and sustainable urban design if potential waterlogging-prone areas under dynamic land use change could be appropriately predicted. However, previous related studies did not simultaneously consider the reliability of negative samples and the future influence of fine-scale land use change. To fill the knowledge gap, this research has developed a robust method for predicting future waterlogging-prone areas by coupling the maximum entropy (MAXENT) and the Future Land Use Simulation (FLUS) model. The former can ensure that no extra sampling bias will be introduced, while the latter can accurately forecast the spatio-temporal pattern of land use. This case study has confirmed the accuracy and feasibility of this method. It was found that the proportion of impervious surfaces, population density, and proportion of green areas are key spatial drivers behind urban waterlogging issues. In addition, the future hazard potential map provided by the MAXENT and FLUS implies that a large proportion of impervious surfaces will face huge waterlogging risks. Therefore, policymakers should focus more on places with a higher probability of urban waterlogging. In summary, this research is expected to offer a practical tool for future urban design and waterlogging risk prevention.

Computational decision-support tools for urban design to improve resilience against COVID-19 and other infectious diseases: A systematic review

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for decision-support tools to help cities become more resilient to infectious diseases. Through urban design and planning, non-pharmaceutical interventions can be enabled, impelling behaviour change and facilitating the construction of lower risk buildings and public spaces. Computational tools, including computer simulation, statistical models, and artificial intelligence, have been used to support responses to the current pandemic as well as to the spread of previous infectious diseases. Our multidisciplinary research group systematically reviewed state-of-the-art literature to propose a toolkit that employs computational modelling for various interventions and urban design processes. We selected 109 out of 8,737 studies retrieved from databases and analysed them based on the pathogen type, transmission mode and phase, design intervention and process, as well as modelling methodology (method, goal, motivation, focus, and indication to urban design). We also explored the relationship between infectious disease and urban design, as well as computational modelling support, including specific models and parameters. The proposed toolkit will help designers, planners, and computer modellers to select relevant approaches for evaluating design decisions depending on the target disease, geographic context, design stages, and spatial and temporal scales. The findings herein can be regarded as stand-alone tools, particularly for fighting against COVID-19, or be incorporated into broader frameworks to help cities become more resilient to future disasters.

From Reality to Virtuality: Re-discussing Cities with the Concept of the Metaverse

The increase in the transaction volume of cryptocurrencies, the widespread use of blockchain technology, and the increase in the number of augmented reality devices (virtual, augmented, and mixed reality) have led to the formation of a suitable environment for Metaverse. Metaverse is a virtual or augmented reality created beyond the physical world via an internet connection with augmented reality devices, game consoles, computers, tablets, or mobile phones. This universe may be beyond the real world, or it is created by the virtualization of real-world objects to a certain extent. While Metaverse has the opportunity to be applied comfortably in all areas of daily life, it can also be designed as an urban policy design tool. In the study, the conceptual framework of the metaverse will be presented, the metaverse investments of global companies will be determined, the concept of metaverse will be examined in the context of virtual reality relationship, the reflections of metaverse applications on the city will be examined, and finally, the effects and role of the metaverse in urban policy production will be discussed and conclusions and evaluations will be given.

From Reality to Virtuality: Re-discussing Cities with the Concept of Metaverse

The increase in the transaction volume of cryptocurrencies, the widespread use of blockchain technology, and the increase in the number of augmented reality devices (virtual, augmented, and mixed reality) have led to the formation of a suitable environment for Metaverse. Metaverse is a virtual or augmented reality created beyond the physical world via an internet connection with augmented reality devices, game consoles, computers, tablets, or mobile phones. This universe may be beyond the real world, or it is created by the virtualization of real-world objects to a certain extent. While Metaverse has the opportunity to be applied comfortably in all areas of daily life, it can also be designed as an urban policy design tool. In the study, the conceptual framework of the metaverse will be presented, the metaverse investments of global companies will be determined, the concept of metaverse will be examined in the context of virtual reality relationship, the reflections of metaverse applications on the city will be examined, and finally, the effects and role of the metaverse in urban policy production will be discussed and conclusions and evaluations will be given.

Designing for optimum thermal comfort using bioclimate simulation and analysis as an urban and architectural design and educational support tool

Abstract Bioclimatic design is a design process that takes into account climate and environmental conditions when designing for optimum thermal comfort with minimum outside energy use. The present study intends to highlight the role of the bioclimatic analysis in design operations at both urban and architectural scale in Guelma city, Algeria. As our challenge is to provide a precise analysis of the climatic conditions, we have resorted to several methods and bioclimatic tools using climatic data from the decade from 2008 to 2017. Each tool consists of presenting and following the intersection of one or more climatic parameters with respect to time. As a result, we have located the bioclimatic floor to which Guelma city belongs, the overheating, the under heating and the comfortable zones have been determined. The findings are significant to draw up the main recommendations and requirements for a bioclimatic design for Guelma city in particular and for regions with semi-arid climate in general.

Stepwise slime mould growth as a template for urban design

The true slime mould, Physarum polycephalum, develops as a vascular network of protoplasm, connecting node-like sources of food in an effort to solve multi-objective transport problems. The organism first establishes a dense and continuous mesh, reinforcing optimal pathways over time through constructive feedbacks of protoplasmic streaming. Resolved vascular morphologies are the result of an evolutionarily-refined mechanism of computation, which can serve as a versatile biological model for network design at the urban scale. Existing digital Physarum models typically use positive reinforcement mechanisms to capture meshing and refinement behaviours simultaneously. While these automations generate accurate descriptions of sensory and constructive feedback, they limit stepwise design control, reducing flexibility and applicability. A model that decouples the two “phases” of Physarum behaviour would enable multistage control over network growth. Here we introduce such a system, first by producing a site-responsive mesh from a population of nutrient-attracted agents, and then by independently calculating from it a flexible, proximity-defined shortest-walk to produce a final network. We develop and map networks within existing urban environments that perform similarly to those biologically grown, establishing a versatile tool for bio-inspired urban network design.