Urban geometric typology and energy performance patterns of Seoul

Abstract

When considering the energy efficiency of cities, conventional approaches for energy saving tend to focus on materials and insulation capacity of buildings rather than on urban geometry. However, since urban geometry is a major factor affecting city energy consumption, it is possible to use urban geometry for achieving sustainable city. By examining the urban geometric forms, this study seeks to identify urban geometric types and energy patterns and offer a framework for it. Three stages are followed: first, significant indicators for analyzing energy performance are identified in urban geometries

second, the geometric types that capture the urban geometry of a real city are categorized

third, whether the resulting types are applicable to other areas in Seoul or not is assessed. As a result, as a reference for urban planning and design, the study identifies 13 types that represent the characteristics of urban geometries regarding energy performance. The geometric indicators are carefully measured, and their significance for the energy performance of buildings is examined through regression analysis. According to the indicators, the 13 types are categorized using the machine-learning method of hierarchical clustering algorithm. Additionally, the 13 types are discussed with five scenarios

through each implementation, the 13 types can be utilized as references in urban planning and design, particularly in block planning for a city. The method performed in this study can be a framework for analyzing a large city.