Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Academic Research in Science, Technology and Engineering
Year: 2025
DOI:
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Passive Urban Design: Bridging Cultural Sustainability and Environmental Harmony
Azat Yalcin
ABSTRACT:
Passive sustainability has aimed to establish a cyclical balance in energy exchange with nature since the 1940s. While engineering-driven models such as net-zero energy buildings were prominent between 1990 and 2010, the Healthy Buildings paradigm later emphasized a more holistic approach. However, building-scale solutions alone are insufficient, and urban-scale strategies are essential to effectively mitigate pollutant emissions. Historically, passive climatization, a concept predating 1940, was applied at the urban level through elements such as courtyards, patios, and alleys, which prove to be more effective than modern urban designs in terms of passive sustainability. GIS-based research shows that these historically designed urban settlements, like those in northern Portugal, perform better by integrating spatial syntax, human-scaled fractals, and environmental factors. This study introduces the concept of “Passive Identity,” which explores how the interaction of these factors can guide urban design toward sustainability. By modeling these relationships, the research aims to establish a methodology that can be applied within BIM environments, revealing how urban spaces and buildings can harmonize with their environment. This study develops a trichotomy of three factors—spatial syntax, fractal geometry, and environmental conditions—that enhance sustainable parameters in procedural design. It proposes a framework that emphasizes fluidity, cyclical dynamics, and proportional harmony in urban contexts. Ultimately, this research lays the foundation for an urban sustainability framework that connects building-level solutions with broader urban strategies, highlighting the role of cultural landscapes and site-specific design in fostering a more sustainable and healthy urban future.
keywords: anthropogeometric fractals, climatic design, cultural sustainability, passive design, space syntax