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

Dr. Darren Robinson is Professor of Building and Urban Physics at Nottingham University and a recipient of the CIBSE Napier-Shaw Medal, the IBPSA-UK Young Persons' Award and the Building and Environment Journal Best Paper Award (twice).

Figures, tables, box and plates

Foreword

About the Authors

Acknowledgements

Acronyms and abbreviations

1 Introduction

Part I Climate and Comfort

2 The Urban Radiant Environment

3 The Urban Hydrothermal Environment

4 Pedestrian Comfort

Part II Metabolism

5 Building Modelling

6 Transport Modelling

Part III Measures and Optimisation of Sustainability

7 Measures of Urban Sustainability

8 Optimisation of Urban Sustainability

Part IV An Eye to the Future

9 Dynamics of Land -Use Change and Growth

10 Conclusions