Parametric Modeling for Form-Based Planning in Dense Urban Environments

Yingyi Zhang and Chang Liu
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Yingyi Zhang: School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing 100044, China
Chang Liu: Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China

Sustainability, 2019, vol. 11, issue 20, 1-14

Abstract: Parametric instruments are employed broadly across the building industry. The study of applying parametric techniques to sustainable form-based planning, however, remains insufficient. This paper therefore critically assesses parametric techniques for facilitating form-based planning in an urban environment. The analysis is to twofold: Can a parametric technique truly enhance the form-based planning process more effectively than existing planning processes? and By what means can form-based planning layouts derived from parametric techniques be appraised? Methodologies include a case study in Hong Kong, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and experimental modeling on parametric platforms. Results indicate that the urban forms can be visualized in real-time during planning processes with a parametric coding system. Existing planning processes do not benefit from real-time visualization, but these alone do not necessarily result in more rational planning layouts. Parametric techniques produce visual models effectively but are not a planning panacea. Findings include a criticism of parametric techniques and pertinent instruments in urban projects, as well as valuable insights for the study of complex form-based planning in dense urban socio-environments.

Keywords: parametric modeling; form-based planning; simulation; dense urban environment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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