Practices

In the previous chapters, we illustrated the direct relationship between urban form and local microclimate. This mutual influence has largely been ascertained; it can significantly affect building performance in terms of comfort and energy consumption (Carmeliet et al., 2013; Blocken, 2012; Steemers et al., 2006; Ratti et al., 2006; Givoni, 1998). These studies have also highlighted the importance of broadening design to include the urban dimension (De Pascali, 2008; Fraker, 2013). During the 1970s, the EU commission stated that urban design was the appropriate tool for achieving sustainability goals. Current ‘sustainable urban design’ is characterized by the complex contribution of different disciplines. This interdisciplinary perspective and the need for incorporating external contributions has led to updated design approaches while maintaining architecture at the core of the process. The Monserrato master plan tests a methodology that integrates environmental data and analyses, starting with the initial design phases. Such software as Heliodon and ENVImet, which acted as useful ‘feedback’ tools to verify –qualitatively - the environmental impact of the design concept, supported the design process.