Urban Morphology and Solar Incidence in Public Spaces - an Exploratory Correlation Analysis Through a CIM System

Urban Morphology and Solar Incidence in Public Spaces - an Exploratory Correlation Analysis Through a CIM System

Passos, Aderson; Jorge, Luna; Cavalcante, Ana; Sampaio, Hugo; Cardoso, Daniel; Moreira, Eugênio

Full Article:

The walkability of open spaces has been highlighted in current discussions about the production of designed environments in urban contexts (Matan, 2011). To contribute to this theme, this work selects the environmental comfort of open spaces as its element of study. The production of urban space was investigated, specifically in regard to urban morphology, understanding that city design directly influences environmental comfort (Jacobs, 1996). This work addresses the geographic context of low latitudes, specifically in hot and humid climate zones of Brazil, and, in this context, according to NBR 15220 (national performance standards), shading is one of the main comfort strategies, so solar incidence was the approached environmental phenomenon. Thus, this work presents a digital system that performs exploratory analysis on the correlations between urban form indicators and environmental performance indicators, specifically solar incidence. The method consists of three steps: urban form modeling (1), indicator measurement (2) and correlation analysis (3). In the first stage, different spatial sections of a city in Brazil were represented in the digital environment (1). This work’s implementation instrument is based on a City Information Modeling framework (Beirão et al., 2012). Visual Programming Interface (VPI) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools were used, in addition to a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS). Then, for each urban clipping, the values of morphological indicators and the incidence of solar radiation were measured (2). Based on the values of the indicators, an exploration of their correlation was carried out by statistical methods (3). The results of the correlation analysis and their correspondent scatter plots are presented. Finally, possible applications of the results for the creation of prescriptive urban planning systems are discussed, seeking to promote a sustainable urban environment.

The walkability of open spaces has been highlighted in current discussions about the production of designed environments in urban contexts (Matan, 2011). To contribute to this theme, this work selects the environmental comfort of open spaces as its element of study. The production of urban space was investigated, specifically in regard to urban morphology, understanding that city design directly influences environmental comfort (Jacobs, 1996). This work addresses the geographic context of low latitudes, specifically in hot and humid climate zones of Brazil, and, in this context, according to NBR 15220 (national performance standards), shading is one of the main comfort strategies, so solar incidence was the approached environmental phenomenon. Thus, this work presents a digital system that performs exploratory analysis on the correlations between urban form indicators and environmental performance indicators, specifically solar incidence. The method consists of three steps: urban form modeling (1), indicator measurement (2) and correlation analysis (3). In the first stage, different spatial sections of a city in Brazil were represented in the digital environment (1). This work’s implementation instrument is based on a City Information Modeling framework (Beirão et al., 2012). Visual Programming Interface (VPI) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools were used, in addition to a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS). Then, for each urban clipping, the values of morphological indicators and the incidence of solar radiation were measured (2). Based on the values of the indicators, an exploration of their correlation was carried out by statistical methods (3). The results of the correlation analysis and their correspondent scatter plots are presented. Finally, possible applications of the results for the creation of prescriptive urban planning systems are discussed, seeking to promote a sustainable urban environment.

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DOI: 10.5151/sigradi2023-108

Referências bibliográficas

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Como citar:

Passos, Aderson; Jorge, Luna; Cavalcante, Ana; Sampaio, Hugo; Cardoso, Daniel; Eugênio Moreira; "Urban Morphology and Solar Incidence in Public Spaces - an Exploratory Correlation Analysis Through a CIM System", p-1636-1647. In: . São Paulo: Blucher, 2024.
ISSN 23186968, DOI 10.5151/sigradi2023-108