This is the first book to directly address the physics of urban sustainability and how urban sustainability may be modeled and optimized. 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 modeling and optimisation of urban metabolism are then described, together with means for defining sustainability as the fitness function to be optimized. 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.

activity aggregate algorithm application approach Axhausen behaviour boundary calculated cent choice CitySim CMA-ES complexcomputational constraints corresponding criteria Darren Robinson decision defined differential evolution diffuse domain dynamicemissions energy conversion systems energy demands environment environmental EPFL equations ETH Zürich evaluations evolution strategy evolutionary algorithm example Figure geometry global grid heat heat pump HVAC impact individual integratedinteractions internal Lausanne logit longwave MATSim Matthäus meso-scale methods microclimate objective function obstructions occupantsofthe optimization parameters pedestrians physical population potential predict radiation exchange radiosity receiving surfacerepresentation Research residential resource flows scale scenarios sectors shortwave simplified simulation Solar Energy solar irradiance Source space Space Syntax spatial structure sustainability temperature thermal comfort transport models tripturbulent U-value urban canopy urban climate variables velocity view factor wind speed Windows U-value W/(m2K zone