Characterization of Mediterranean urban morphology; impact of grid irregularities and exceptions on the energy efficiency of architecture.

COMPETITIVE PROJECT 2016-2020

BIA2016-77675-R

This project aims to advance energy efficiency in Mediterranean cities by identifying building morphology parameters that allow characterizing irregularities and exceptions in different urban grids and their influence on energy demand. The objective is to provide knowledge and tools for decision-making in the planning and management of consolidated Mediterranean cities.

Coch, H.; Isalgue, A.; Crespo, I.; Roset, J.; Pardal, C.

The growing shift of the global population toward urban areas raises alternatives that consider the consolidated city itself as a location for action to address housing for this population, rather than continuing to occupy surrounding territory with further construction and encroaching on fertile land near original settlements.

To optimize existing urban planning, it will be essential to establish a body of doctrine on environmental and social issues that accounts for energy and resource consumption aspects, as well as personal comfort and well-being.

Previously, the incidence of urban morphology as a modifier of local climate conditions was studied to evaluate characteristics attributable to Mediterranean cities as a compact city model (BIA2013-45597-R). The results revealed new elements opening up the field of study in the following areas: On one hand, the importance of irregularities and exceptions in urban grids to improve energy response, whether at the building, neighborhood, or urban fabric scale.

On the other hand, the need to analyze the impact of various physical parameters affecting energy flows (thermal, luminous, and acoustic) once different residential typologies are characterized. Finally, a focus on urban-scale rehabilitation as an infill system for existing cities as opposed to territorial expansion.

Consequently, having obtained systematic parameters for characterizing the compact Mediterranean city, the goal is to examine building and grid irregularities in greater depth. Having analyzed the environmental behavior aspects of this city model, the constructive and energy parameters affecting residents’ living conditions must be defined to establish the bases for appropriate intervention criteria.

MINISTRY OF ECONOMY AND COMPETITIVENESS. State Program for Research, Development and Innovation Oriented toward Society’s Challenges.
UNESCO Classification:
3305 – CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY
6201 – ARCHITECTURE
Project Type: Type B
Duration (in years): 4
Principal Investigator: Helena Coch Roura
Principal Investigator 2: Antonio Isalgué Buxeda