Facilitating energy and noise simulations in the planning of urban densification

The population of several Swedish cities has grown rapidly in recent years. In order to meet the increasing needs of housing and services, urban environments are being densified. When densifying a city, it is important to maintain good living conditions while having a small as possible environmental impact. In this project we will study how we can facilitate daylight and noise simulations over 3D city models in the urban planning process. The assumption is that if it is easy to practically carry out simulations, these will become increasingly more common, which will potentially improve the data used as a basis for decision-making in urban planning.

To support simulations, as well as improve the quality and comparability of these, their required input data needs to be adapted, quality assured and harmonized. In this project, we will evaluate how information models and data quality affect the results of daylight and noise simulations as well as what data requirements are set based on Swedish legislation and European guidelines. Using this knowledge, we will study how input data for simulations can become part of the digital data infrastructure that is being developed for the built environment in Sweden. We are particularly interested in examining how data can be integrated into a 3D city model (a digital twin). Finally, we will carry out case studies where we perform simulations, based on the information models developed, to evaluate a set of different densification proposals.

The project is financed by Formas (2020-01460).

Earth's population is growing. More people are moving to cities in search of more opportunities (employment, education) and a better quality of life (medical care). Cities are growing to meet the increased demands in housing, offices and industrial facilities, but the space is limited. Problems imposed on urban environments due to an increased urban population (e.g. noise pollution due to increased traffic) and climate change (e.g. flooding due to extreme precipitation events) create challenges for urban planners.

Urbanization poses challenges. According to the Swedish Energy Agency, in 2019, 40% of the country's total energy consumption was attributed to buildings (heating, lighting, etc.). Noise pollution has been linked to increased stress levels, sleep disturbances and cardiovascular problems.

So how do we help cities grow in a sustainable way?

By performing daylight and noise simulations over 3D city models in early stages of the urban planning process, making sure that we create enough possibilities for architects and builders to comply to the existing national and European legislation and recommendations for acceptable noise levels and lighting conditions (access to daylight) for all apartments in planned as well as existing buildings (near the planned ones).

The suggested solution will contribute to better living conditions for the urban population while creating better opportunities for implementing more sustainable building solutions.

The project is financed by Formas (2020-01460).