Developing a Tool for Analyzing and Generating the Fittest Urban Morphology Based on the Sky View Factor and Insolation (A Case Study on Yazd)

Urban morphology, including buildings’ typology and configuration, affects sky view factor and insolation as two of the most prominent parameters in urban microclimate, particularly in extreme environmental conditions. This research aims to generate various rule-based urban block typologies in a parametric environment and then evaluate them based on the parameters mentioned above to find the fittest climate responsive morphology. Grasshopper, Ecotect, and Genetic algorithms are used for evaluation in relatively short computing time. Introducing a high-speed and user-friendly environment for designers to generate forms and evaluate them in several iterations was the main consideration. The proposed tool consists of two parts, namely generative algorithms to create various rule-based morphologies and analytics algorithms to find the fittest climate responsive urban morphology based on insolation and sky view factor. As a case study, the focus is on different urban morphologies in Yazd to find the fittest option. The maximum sky view factor and minimum insolation on building surfaces are ideal in hot and arid climates; however, these two parameters suggest contradicting solutions for urban morphology. Considering the existing urban fabric in Yazd, various block typologies and arrangements are parametrically generated. In each scenario, the evaluation iterations identify the most suitable typologies and arrangements. After comparing the fittest versions of different types, the most proper building typology, collective arrangement, and the best orientation are provided.