Multi-Objective Solar-Driven Generative Urban Design: an urban zoning approach for Western Sydney, Australia

Abdollahzadeh, Nastaran

Multi-Objective Solar-Driven Generative Urban Design: an urban zoning approach for Western Sydney, Australia

Abdollahzadeh, Nastaran

Permalink

Publication Type:: Thesis
Issue Date:: 2025

Open Access

Copyright Clearance Process

Recently Added
In Progress
Open Access

This item is open access.

Adobe PDF

Download thesisAdobe PDF (23.6 MB)

View statistics

Full metadata record

Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Abdollahzadeh, Nastaran
dc.date.accessioned	2026-08-04T02:03:41Z
dc.date.available	2026-08-04T02:03:41Z
dc.date.issued	2025
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/195907
dc.description	University of Technology Sydney. Faculty of Design and Society.	en_US.UTF-8
dc.description.abstract	This PhD thesis develops a computational framework for solar-responsive urban design to address the increasing challenges of urban densification and climate adaptation. Using Western Sydney as a case study, the research combines environmental simulation tools with evolutionary optimization algorithms to balance competing solar performance objectives across different scales and seasons. The study uses a Research through Design methodology to explore how urban morphology influences solar access, daylight availability, and thermal comfort in humid subtropical climates. Key evaluation metrics include Sky View Factor (SVF) and sunlight hours to measure solar performance on building facades, rooftops, and pedestrian areas. The framework proceeds through five organized stages: design variable selection, objective setting, algorithmic optimization, output analysis, and result interpretation. This multi-objective approach tackles the spatial and seasonal challenges of solar design, especially the balance between beneficial winter solar gain and summer overheating issues. Testing various design scenarios, from district-level planning to building envelope design, the research shows the framework's flexibility in supporting data-driven design choices. The results provide key insights into maximizing daylight access while reducing thermal discomfort, offering a repeatable method for climate-responsive urban development. Ultimately, this thesis promotes sustainable design by offering a systematic way to incorporate solar considerations into planning.	en_US.UTF-8
dc.format	Thesis (PhD)
dc.language.iso	en_US	en_US.UTF-8
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.rights	The author owns the copyright in this thesis including all reproduction and reuse rights for the work. The work may not be altered without the permission of the copyright owner. Attribution is essential when quoting or paraphrasing from this thesis.
dc.rights	© 2025 Nastaran Abdollahzadeh
dc.rights	au.edu.uts.lib/nph
dc.title	Multi-Objective Solar-Driven Generative Urban Design: an urban zoning approach for Western Sydney, Australia	en_US.UTF-8
dc.type	Thesis
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*

Abstract:

This PhD thesis develops a computational framework for solar-responsive urban design to address the increasing challenges of urban densification and climate adaptation. Using Western Sydney as a case study, the research combines environmental simulation tools with evolutionary optimization algorithms to balance competing solar performance objectives across different scales and seasons. The study uses a Research through Design methodology to explore how urban morphology influences solar access, daylight availability, and thermal comfort in humid subtropical climates. Key evaluation metrics include Sky View Factor (SVF) and sunlight hours to measure solar performance on building facades, rooftops, and pedestrian areas. The framework proceeds through five organized stages: design variable selection, objective setting, algorithmic optimization, output analysis, and result interpretation. This multi-objective approach tackles the spatial and seasonal challenges of solar design, especially the balance between beneficial winter solar gain and summer overheating issues. Testing various design scenarios, from district-level planning to building envelope design, the research shows the framework's flexibility in supporting data-driven design choices. The results provide key insights into maximizing daylight access while reducing thermal discomfort, offering a repeatable method for climate-responsive urban development. Ultimately, this thesis promotes sustainable design by offering a systematic way to incorporate solar considerations into planning.

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:

http://hdl.handle.net/10453/195907