Morphological Optimization of Low-Density Commercial Streets: A Multi-Objective Study Based on Genetic Algorithm

Hongchi Zhang, Liangshan You, Hong Yuan and Fei Guo ()
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Hongchi Zhang: School of Architecture and Fine Art, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116023, China
Liangshan You: School of Architecture and Fine Art, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116023, China
Hong Yuan: College of Information Engineering, Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang 110142, China
Fei Guo: School of Architecture and Fine Art, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116023, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 16, 1-27

Abstract: Through their open space layout, rich green configuration and low floor area ratio (FAR), low-density commercial blocks show significant advantages in creating high-quality outdoor thermal comfort (Universal Thermal Climate Index, UTCI) environment, reducing regional energy consumption load (building energy consumption, BEC) potential, providing pleasant public space experience and enhancing environmental resilience, which are different from traditional high-density business models. This study proposes a workflow for morphological design of low-density commercial blocks based on parametric modeling via the Grasshopper platform and the NSGA-II algorithm, which aims to balance environmental benefits (UTCI, BEC) and spatial efficiency (FAR). This study employs EnergyPlus, Wallacei and other relevant tools, along with the NSGA-II algorithm, to perform numerical simulations and multi-objective optimization, thus obtaining the Pareto optimal solution set. It also clarifies the correlation between morphological parameters and target variables. The results show the following: (1) The multi-objective optimization model is effective in optimizing the three objectives for block buildings. When compared to the extreme inferior solution, the optimal solution that is closest to the ideal point brings about a 33.2% reduction in BEC and a 1.3 °C drop in UTCI, while achieving a 102.8% increase in FAR. (2) The impact of design variables varies across the three optimization objectives. Among them, the number of floors of slab buildings has the most significant impact on BEC, UTCI and FAR. (3) There is a significant correlation between urban morphological parameters–energy efficiency correlation index, and BEC, UTCI, and FAR.

Keywords: low-density commercial street; multi-objective optimization; spatial form; building energy consumption; Universal Thermal Climate Index (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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