How Can Urban Forms Balance Solar and Noise Exposition for a Sustainable Design?

Marta Oliveira, Hélder Coutinho, Paulo Mendonça, Martin Tenpierik, José F. Silva and Lígia Torres Silva ()
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Marta Oliveira: CTAC (Centre for Territory, Environment and Construction), University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimaraes, Portugal
Hélder Coutinho: ProMetheus, Polytechnic Institute of Viana Do Castelo, 4900-348 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
Paulo Mendonça: Lab2PT (The Landscapes, Heritage and Territory Laboratory), University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimaraes, Portugal
Martin Tenpierik: Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment, Delft University of Technology, 2628 BL Delft, The Netherlands
José F. Silva: ProMetheus, Polytechnic Institute of Viana Do Castelo, 4900-348 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
Lígia Torres Silva: CTAC (Centre for Territory, Environment and Construction), University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimaraes, Portugal

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 11, 1-21

Abstract: Sustainable development requires efficient planning and management of both natural and built resources. The identification of urban forms that best balance exposure to solar radiation and urban noise, ensuring compliance with residential construction regulations and European directives may be carried out through simulations. The proposed methodology involves simulating various scenarios and adjusting parameters of selected urban forms to evaluate the availability of solar radiation and the noise exposure on building façades within a specific context. In addressing the requirements for solar and noise optimization, predictive models (solar and noise) were employed, utilizing urban form indicators to relate these three variables. The case study demonstrates the inverse behavior of these variables in relation to the same urban forms. The findings highlight the optimal urban forms for each scenario. The enclosed form was identified as the most suitable for minimizing noise exposure, while the linear form is optimal for maximizing solar radiation exposure. This approach allows the designer to make informed decisions that balance these competing requirements, achieving a compromise between optimizing thermal and acoustic performance. The ultimate goal is to enhance the overall comfort of the building, reduce energy consumption, and promote a sustainable building solution.

Keywords: urban form; solar radiation; urban noise (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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