Radiation absorption and urban texture

This paper explores the relationship between the geometry of urban neighbourhoods and the microclimatic effects of solar radiation. It presents both the modelling techniques and key findings with the aim of quantifying solar absorption and its relationship to the urban heat island effect. The impact on the urban environment and building energy consumption is discussed, which raises potential implications for design. This work discusses only one main environmental factor, solar radiation, which is part of a larger ongoing research agenda addressing wider aspects of the urban microclimatic.