Investigating the applicability of sustainable urban form and design to traditional cities, case study: The old city of sana'a

Abstract

This research compared the traditional urban form of old Sana'a with the modern by applying three main basic principles of sustainability; 1. Form and density, 2. Walkability and connectivity and 3. Building energy. The method of inquiry was based on qualitative and quantitative methods and analysis using GIS, ECOTECT and Space Syntax modelling. The findings show that traditional form with its higher building density and compactness is a good model with regards to sustainable principles. Similarly, as to walkability index, traditional layout has higher rates of intersections and connected nodes and least angular changes with higher rates of integrations and choices in terms of Space Syntax properties than new layouts. Finally, the result of applying ECOTECT for urban solar analysis to confirm that the traditional pattern achieved sufficient values of solar access, exposure and shadows over different periods of the year. The overall results indicate that the traditional urban layout is more sustainable in terms of form and density, walkability and connectivity and urban solar energy than the new layouts.