A digital language for a new sustainable urban planning: design and simulation tools for solar architecture

This paper presents a workflow for a new sustainable urban planning approach controlled by electronic devices. A process of bridging generative modelling tools and solar dynamic software, was developed in order to reduce the existing gap between design and analyses in urban environment. The combination of digital language and technical analysis, from one hand improves the process of interaction between users and smart devices, on the other hand represents an important communication source between experts and clients during the early design stages. The 3D model is simultaneously manipulated through an iterative parametric design process using the generative digital modelling software (Rhynoceros/Grasshopper) and solar dynamic simulation tool (Radiance/Daysim) for evaluating the solar radiation of different geometric transformations and how the designed building can affected the surrounding. An app for tablets and smartphones used by architects, and urban planners for supporting decision making during the early project stages represents the future development of the work.