The Spatial Dimension of Energies: Urban Patterns and Energy Strategies

It is evident that different urban configurations have different energy consumption implications. Which is the contribution of the urban planning and design discipline in addressing sustainable future scenarios for the city is a crucial question. We believe that urban planners’ expertise can inform the debate on energy in three ways as follows: firstly, to assess the spatial dimension of energies in the urban landscape, thus acknowledging the physical layout as a key component of environmental sustainability. Secondly, to measure and quantify urban sustainability indicators, according to the increasing demand for evaluation and verification of urban policies; thirdly, to propose innovative design solutions for the built environment (both the fabric and the open areas), which optimize the use of energy and mitigate environmental depletion. This latter aspect should be intended as a long term research perspective aiming at informing the debate of new urban design and planning theories. The ultimate objective is to recognize the implications of different urban patterns and to promote site-related strategies and actions (eco-zoning). Outcomes of an experimental urban design studio on the topic ‘energy and urban planning’ are presented.