Iteration 1: Voronoi Fractured Grid

This iteration features simulation based on one block typology tested on Type 1 Voronoi fracture grid as described in the introduction of the chapter. Iteration 1 features the first block typology where the residential tower sits on the commercial podium block. The roof of the commercial and residential are sky gardens, and there is a central courtyard in the residential tower for increased ventilation and inner courtyard views.

Figure 6. Block typology and Urban morphology for Iteration 1

Set-up

The distribution of residential and commercial area is as follows

• Residential: 22sqm per person
• Commercial: 13sqm per person

  Parameters for urban morphology

• Residential storey height: 3m
• Commercial storey height: 5m
• Green connector road 15m
• Green buffer 5m (each side)
• Roads 8m
• Pedestrian roads 1.5m
• Parks < 600sqm

  Urban morphology

• Maximum floor count: 29
• Average floor count: 5
• Total number of buildings: 147

Building Simulation

Figure 7a. Iteration 1 Building simulations

Good Building = 91.64%

• Daylight factor = 65.74%
• Passive ratio = 96.15%
• Solar Factor = 83.19%

Figure 7b. Iteration 1 Building simulations

Good Window =36.86%

• View Factor = 60.97%
• Good window ratio = 92.56%

Evaluation

While this iteration proved a high number of good buildings, this iteration has a high number of bad windows. This is due to the way the grid had been laid out, with irregular 4 to 6-sided polygon blocks with windows facing closely to adjacent blocks. This in turn also affects the view factor, giving it only 60.97% of windows within the acceptable range. From an Urban morphology point of view, the irregular 4 to 6-sided polygon blocks are less desirable for land developers to purchase and build. Also, it leads to impractical road situations with junctions of 3 and 5 roads. In the next iteration, the plot will be divided more regularly with the Manhattan grid so as to improve view factors and hence more good window.