Urban Layout for Building Solar Optimization and Outdoor Comfort Balance: Neighborhood Strategy in Mediterranean Climate

Abstract

The urban configuration in the Mediterranean area, which has noticeable solar radiation and significant thermal oscillation, is one of the factors that affect the microclimate and the urban heat island phenomenon of the cities located in that zone. To contribute to the improvement of urban comfort, this work presents an experimental methodological proposal for the analysis and multicriteria optimization of performance indicators using a parametric workflow through Grasshopper. This workflow can lead to the development of a set of environmental design criteria as support tools in the design of the urban configuration. The methodology is based on the quantification of two parameters on the analysis and management of daylight in interior spaces by means of dynamic metrics and, on the other hand, on the evaluation of hygrothermal conditions and the urban heat island effect, which affect both the daytime comfort of passersby and the nighttime comfort of dwellings. This study considers the most typical variables of urban layout, both morphological and material. The case study analyzed is located in the city of Seville (Spain), which has a significant percentage of its contemporary buildings without a suitable adaptation to local climate conditions. The results obtained from the case study prove the potential of the proposed methodology to evaluate and optimize lighting and thermal performance at the neighbourhood scale. Thus, it provides urban planners with a powerful decision support tool for both urban expansion and urban renewal.

The Definition of the Heritage Status of Modern Residential Architecture from a Multi-Scalar and Perceptual Approach. A Heritage Perspective in the Case Study of the Neighbourhood of El Plantinar in Seville (Spain)

“…On the other hand, in the 21-metre-wide Virgen del Sol Street, as well as in the central square of the neighbourhood, the proportions of the canyon are smaller and more favourable, according to previous research [42]. Such a proportion benefits solar access to the shops, while at the same time controlling, thanks to the building's own shading, the outside temperatures in the hot seasons.…”

“…The orientation and proportions of the urban canyon influence solar access potential, air flows and other microclimatic data such as the heat-island effect. Previous research, with a case study in Seville, found that ratios lower than 4/5 significantly improve solar access in buildings, with no significant thermal increase in the outdoor environment if the ratio is greater than or equal to 4/5 [42].…”

“…Those located in the central streets have a NW-SE orientation, while both of those bordering the north and south, despite having different orientations, have a NE-SW orientation. These orientations seem to achieve a greater homogeneity of solar accessibility and energy performance, as well as external microclimatic conditions, compared to N-S or E-W orientations [42,43].…”