Computer Modelling for Sustainable Urban Design: Physical Principles, Methods and Applications

by Darren Robinson (Editor)

Overview

This is the first book to directly address the physics of urban sustainability and how urban sustainability may be modelled and optimised. Starting with an introduction to the importance and key aspects of the topic, it moves on to a detailed consideration of the urban climate and pedestrian comfort. Comprehensive techniques for the modelling and optimisation of urban metabolism are then described, together with means for defining sustainability as the fitness function to be optimised. It ends with an eye to the future of sustainable urban design and the means available to urban designers and governors to help them to secure a more sustainable urban future.

This book will be invaluable both in informing the next generation of urban planners, architects and engineers, and as a tool to current professionals that will directly contribute to the effectiveness of their work by allowing them to more successfully measure and model urban sustainability.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781136539350
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	11/12/2012
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	320
File size:	15 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Dr. Darren Robinson is Professor of Building and Urban Physics at Nottingham University and a recipient of the CIBSE Napier-Shaw Medal, the IBPSA-UK Young Persons' Award and the Building and Environment Journal Best Paper Award (twice).

Table of Contents

Figures, tables, box and plates

Foreword

About the Authors

Acknowledgements

Acronyms and abbreviations

1 Introduction

Part I Climate and Comfort

2 The Urban Radiant Environment

3 The Urban Hydrothermal Environment

4 Pedestrian Comfort

Part II Metabolism

5 Building Modelling

6 Transport Modelling

Part III Measures and Optimisation of Sustainability

7 Measures of Urban Sustainability

8 Optimisation of Urban Sustainability

Part IV An Eye to the Future

9 Dynamics of Land -Use Change and Growth

10 Conclusions

Editorial Reviews

'There are many books that provide case-studies of urban design projects that meet narrow sustainability objectives, however there are few that provide a comprehensive assessment and none that provide tools to evaluate urban development projects. This book is 'one of a kind'. It represents an audacious endeavour to set out the physical basis that must underpin sustainability at the urban scales relevant to urban designers. Most importantly, it demonstrates computational tools that allow urban decision-makers to assess the sustainability of urban design options.' Dr. Gerald Mills, Senior Lecturer, University College Dublin; President, International Association for Urban Climate

'Impressively detailed and well researched, this should become an essential reference book for researchers and planning professionals concerned with urban sustainability.' Dr. Simos Yannas, Architectural Association Graduate School

'Tools that allow us to make well-informed decisions are essential to shape future cities. This valuable book points the way.' Ivan Harbour, Senior Director, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners 'This authoritative and impressive book is very timely and welcome.' Peter Head, Director and Chair of Global Planning, Arup. '

A must-read for anybody interested in modelling the environmental performance of cities.' Prof. Christoph Reinhart, Graduate School of Design, Harvard University

From the Publisher