The energy transect; including sustainability issues in urban morphology analyses

Abstract

To tackle climate change, pollution and dwindling resources, we need to rethink our urban environment by identifying the most suitable morphological structures, with an optimized local (cradle-to-cradle) approach to energy and resources; towards economic feasibility and improved environmental quality. In this paper we propose integrating the Transect concept with the energy issues, to provide a flexible system for allocating building types, landscaping, energy systems, etc. so that they contribute to a symbiotic ecosystem. This Transect framework can include a juxtaposed toolbox that can be used collectively at the region, city, sector, neighborhood, and block/building scale. © 2012 WIT Press.