Digital Urban Simulation | HS 2014

Documentation of the teaching results from the fall semester 2014 

Digital Urban Simulation 

Reinhard König, Estefania Tapias, and Gerhard Schmitt 

Shadows analyse): 

Chair of 

Information 

iA Architecture

Chair of Information Architecture 


Documentation of teaching results 


iA 


Teaching 


Syllabi 

http://www.ia.arch.ethz.ch/category/teaching/archive/hs2014-new-methods-in-urban-analysis-and-simulation/ 

Seminar 


Students 

Masayuki Hattori, Paul Neitzel, Andrea Gonzales Palos, Benjamin Gurtner, Bettina Dobler, Emma Paola Flores Herrera, 

Irene Urso, Marc Lallemand, Thijs van der Lely, Zlatina Paneva 

Published by 

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETHZ) 

Department of Architecture 


Wolfgang-Pauli-Strasse 27, HIT H 31.6 

8093 Zurich 

Switzerland 

Zurich, May 2015 

Layout 

Gava Alessandra 

Contact 

reinhard.koenig@arch.ethz.ch | http://www.ia.arch.ethz.ch/koenig/ 

Cover picture 

Front side: Benjamin Gurtner, Shadow Analyse, Winter solstice for Ciminiano, Milan 

Back side: Zlatina Paneva, Axial map analysis, Integration, for Zürich Nord

Prof. Dr. Gerhard Schmitt 


Course Description and Program 

Information Architecture 

Mondays 14:00 – 18:00 

063-1357-14 G | 4 ECTS* 


A solid knowledge of computational methods is an increasingly 

important key competence for future architects or urban planners. 

In this course you will learn how to analyze and generate spatial 

configurations with advanced computational methods. 

In a series of theory lectures we explore how designing and planning 

of cities could become evidence based by using scientific methods. 

Various exercises will provide training for your skills in working with 

state-of-the-art yet office proven design tools (Depthmap, Ecotect, 

and Rhino/Grasshopper). In an integral project work, you will deepen 

your knowledge in spatial analysis and simulation methods such as 

Space Syntax using Depthmap software and environmental analysis 

with the program Ecotect. In addition you will acquire skills for using 

analysis methods for generative design processes. Therefore we 

introduce you into the parametric design software Grasshopper for 

Rhino 3D. 

Based on the methods introduced during the semester, you will learn 

and understand different effects of planning and design interventions 

on urban life. At the end of the course you will be able to interpret 

analysis and simulation results, and to apply correspondent 

computational methods for your own planning projects. 

Where: 

Lecture, HIT F22 - Value Lab 

Exercise, HIT H12 

When: 

Mondays 14:00 to 18:00 

22.09.2014 











Introduction to the course 

E1 - Rhino/Grasshopper tutorial 

Generative systems workshop 

E2 - Generative techniques 

Space syntax I 

E3 - Convex Map, Axial Map of a small area 

Space syntax II 

E4 - Depthmap & GIS: Prepare Data -> Import Data –> Analysis 

methods 

Seminar week (no lecture) 

Space syntax III 

E5 - Rhino/Grasshopper 

Empirical studies 

E6 - Collect data (evaluate existing materials) 

Microclimate analysis I 

E7 - Ecotect Tutorial I. Analysis of a small urban area. 

Microclimate analysis II 

E8 - Rhino/Grasshopper 

Best practice examples - Guest lecture 

Final consultation 

Final iA critique 

Combined critique with the other iA courses 

Supervision: 

Dr. Reinhard König 

Estefania Tapias 

reinhard.koenig@arch.ethz.ch 

tapias@arch.ethz.ch 

* Total 120 h = 4 ECTS 

Exercises 25% (documentations) 

Presentation 25% (project at the end) 

Written documentation 50% (project) 

The most recent outline will be found on www.ia.arch.ethz.ch

Content 

Analysis of My Neighborhood 

Student: Masayuki Hattori 

Optimization of window dimensions 

to solar gains 

Student: Paul Neitzel 

Khayelitsha Re-Clustering 

Student: Andrea Gonzales Palos 

Urban Planning in Milan/Cimiano 

Student: Benjamin Gurtner 

Rosengartentram & Rosengartentunnel 

Student: Bettina Dobler 

BT Section Khayelitsha- Urban Relations 

Student: Emma Paola Flores Herrera 

p.9 

p.21 

p.29 

p.39 

p.45 

p.53

Commerce and industry of Zurich – An analysis 

of its transport connection and centrality 

Student: Irene Urso 

Applying the Solar Envelope Concept to the 

Reorganization and Massing of the Hunziker 

Areal with Grasshopper-Geco and Ecotect 

Student: Marc Lallemand 

BT Section 

Student: Thijs van der Lely 

New City District - Zürich Nord 

Student: Zlatina Paneva 

p.59 

p.71 

p.81 

p.91

Analysis of My Neighborhood 

Student: Masayuki Hattori

1. Summary: 

I analysed a current site where some people feel inconvenient, and clarified problems of the 

current site which are the followings: paths are complicated, there are some dead end roads; due to 

complicated paths, some children may have trouble going to school. 

In order to solve this problem, it is requiered to have higher Intellegibility, low step depth, less shadow 

on the roads and high solar radiation on the roads. 

In this study, I found that we should arrange buildings regularly when high Intelligibity and low Step 

Depth 

are required for the city. For the vertical plan, the lower the buildings are, the smaller the effects of the 

shadow on the roads are. But, there is a little difference between a vertical plan which contains only 

2-3 storied buildings, and the vertical plan which contains only 4-7 storied buildings. Considering a 

capacity of the buildings, the vertical plan which contains only 4-7 storied buildings is better than the 

other vertical plans. Finally I concluded that the most suitable plan for this city is a plan where there 

are middle-rise buildings in a regular arrangement. 

2. Motivation 

I lived in Honancho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan when I was 6-8 years old. I always felt that for residents 

this city was inconvenient for residents. That is why I analysed my Neighbourhood and proposed 

my plans. 

3. Current Situation of Site (Depthmap Analysis): 

By using Depthmap, I analysed Integration, Connectivity (Axial), and Intelligibility which is a correlation 

between Integration and Connectivity. 

As shown in Fig. 6, Intelligibility of this site was not good, 0.405. This low Intelligibility was one of reasons 

of the inconvenience. 

Fig. 1 Japanese Map 

Fig. 2 Satellite Photograph of Site 

Fig. 3 Model Map of Site 

low Intelligibility was one of reasons of the inconvenience. 

Table I Color Range of Properties of Axial Analysis in Current Site 

Min (Blue) 

Max (Red) 

Integration 0.87 1.90 

Connectivity (Axial) 1 20 

Next, I analysed Area, Connectivity (Isovist), and Step Depth from the school (a red marked place in Fig. 

9) with the isovist analysis. Results were shown in Figs. 7-9. The color ranges of Area, Connectivity (Isovist), 

and Step Depth were shown in Table II. The Figure of Area (Fig. 7) was very similar to the figure of connectivity 

(Isovist) (Fig. 8). This analysis generally matched my experience. The most outside roads were main roads in 

Chair this 

of 

Information 

10 

Digital Urban Simulation | Final project documentation 

iA Architecture 

city. That is why Area, and Connectivity (Isovist) these roads were relatively high compared with other roads. 

In some places, a value of Step Depth was 15. This means that people who live there need to turn 15 times to go

Min (Blue) Max (Red) 


Next, I analysed Area, Connectivity Connectivity (Isovist), (Axial) and Step 1Depth from the 20 school (a red marked place in 

Fig.9) with the isovist analysis. Results were shown in Figs. 7-9. The color ranges of Area, Connectivity 

Next, 

(Isovist), 

I analysed 

and 

Area, 

Step 

Connectivity 

Depth were 

(Isovist), 

shown in 

and 

Table 

Step 

II. 

Depth 

The Figure 

from the 

of Area 

school 

(Fig. 

(a red 

7) was 

marked 

very 

place 

similar 

in Fig. 

to 

9) with 

the 

the 

figure 

isovist 

of connectivity 

analysis. Results 

(Isovist) 

were 

(Fig. 

shown 

8). This 

in Figs. 

analysis 

7-9. The 

generally 

color ranges 

matched 

of Area, 

my experience. 

Connectivity 

The 

(Isovist), 

most 

and 

outside 

Step Depth 

roads 

were 

were 

shown 

main 

in Table 

roads 

II. 

in 

The 

this 

Figure 

city. That 

of Area 

is why 

(Fig. 

Area, 

7) was 

and 

very 

Connectivity 

similar to 

(Isovist) 

the figure 

on 

of 

these 

connectivity 

roads 

(Isovist) 

were 

(Fig. 

relatively 

8). This 

high 

analysis 

compared 

generally 

with 

matched 

other roads. 

my experience. The most outside roads were main roads in this 

city. 

In 

That 

some 

is why 

places, 

Area, 

a 

and 

value 

Connectivity 

of Step Depth 

(Isovist) 

was 

on 

15. 

these 

This 

roads 

means 

were 

that 

relatively 

people 

high 

who 

compared 

live there 

with 

need 

other 

to turn 

roads. 

In some 

15 times 

places, 

to 

a 

go 

value 

to school. 

of Step 

This 

Depth 

value 

was 

is 

15. 

too 

This 

high 

means 

for children, 

that people 

therefore 

who live 

we 

there 

should 

need 

propose 

to turn 15 

plans 

times 

where 

to go 

to the 

Step 

school. 

Depth 

This 

is 

value 

low. 

is too high for children, therefore, we should propose plans where Step Depth is low. 

Table II Color Range of Properties of Isovist Analysis in Current Site 

Min (Blue) 

Max (Red) 

Area 23.99 m 2 17353 m 2 

Connectivity (Isovist) 2 2313 

Step Depth from school 0 15 

Max: 1.90 

Min: 0.87 

Max: 20 

Min: 1 

1 / 5 

4 

s 

is 

th 

s 

a 

I 

10000m 

Fig. 4 Integration in Current Site 

10000m 

Fig. 5 Connectivity (Axial) in Current Site 

I 

Fig. 6 Intelligibility in Current Site 

Max: 17353m 2 

Max: 23113 

Max: 15 

Min: 23.99m 2 Min: 2 

Min: 1 


11 

4 

in 

A

Fig. 6 Intelligibility in Current Site 

Max: 17353m 2 

Max: 23113 

Min: 23.99m 2 Min: 2 

Max: 15 

Min: 1 

4 

in 

A 

c 

in 

A 

fo 

fi 

fo 

10000m 

10000m 

10000m 

Fig. 7 Area in Current Site 

Fig. 8 Connectivity in Current Site 

Fig. 9 Step Depth in Current Site 

4. Depthmap Analysis for Horizontal Plans: 

Digital Considering Urban the Simulation requirements | for Analysis the current of My site, Neighborhood 

I proposed two extreme examples for a horizontal 

plan as shown in Fig. 10 (Horizontal Plan 1) and Fig. 11 (Horizontal Plan 2). In these plans, I set that 

4. Depthmap width of each Analysis road is for constant Horizontal (10 Plans: m). Figure 10 shows a random arrangement where shape of the 

buildings Considering was the very requirements strange, and for there current were site, a lot I of proposed dead ends two of extreme the roads. examples Figure for 11 a horizontal shows a regular plan as 

shown arrangement in Fig. 10 (Horizontal where shape Plan of 1) buildings and Fig. was 11 (Horizontal simple, only Plan the 2). rectangle In these plans, and triangle I set that shape, width and of each there road 

is constant was no (10 dead m). end Figure of the 10 shows roads. a random arrangement where shape of the buildings was very strange, and 

there Hypotheses were a lot of for dead Depthmap ends of the analysis roads. were Figure as 11 follows, shows a regular arrangement where shape of buildings was 

simple, only rectangle shape and triangle shape, and there was no dead end of the roads. Hypotheses for Depthmap 

analysis In the axial were analysis as follows, 

In the a) When axial analysis the horizontal plan is random --> low Intelligibility because ways from one place to another 

a) are When unclear. the horizontal plan is random → low Intelligibility because ways from one place to another are 

b) unclear. When the horizontal plan is regular --> high Intelligibility because ways from one place to another 

b) are When clear. the horizontal plan is regular → high Intelligibility because ways from one place to another are clear. 

In the In the isovist isovist analysis analysis 

c) c) When the the horizontal plan plan is random is random → -->high Step Step Depth Depth from from the school the school because because we have we to have turn many to turn times 

many to go times to the to school. go to the school. 

d) d) When the the horizontal plan plan is regular is regular → --> low low Step Step Depth Depth from from the school the school because because we don't we have don't to turn have many to 

turn times many to go times to the to school. go to the school 

Fig. 10 Horizontal Plan 1 

(Random Arrangement) 

Fig. 11 Horizontal Plan 2 

(Regular Arrangement) 

4-1. Axial Analysis: 

12 

First of all, I analysed Integration, Chair of 

Digital Urban 

Connectivity 

Simulation 

(Axial), 

| Final 

and 

project 

Intelligibility 

documentation 

in the random arrangement, and 

in the regular arrangement by using Depthmap. Results of this analysis were shown in Figs. 12-14 (Random 

Arrangement), and in Figs. 15-17 (Regular Ararngement). In order to compare these two arrangements, I fixed 

Information 

iA Architecture

4-1. Axial Analysis: 

First of all, I analysed Integration, Connectivity (Axial), and Intelligibility in the random arrangement, 

and in the regular arrangement by using Depthmap. Results of this analysis were shown in Figs. 12- 

14 (Random Arrangement), and in Figs. 15-17 (Regular Ararngement). In order to compare these two 

arrangements, I fixed color ranges of Integration and Connectivity (Axial). These color ranges were 

shown in Table III. Almost all lines in Figs. 12-13 (Random Arrangement) were blue because of fixing 

the same color range as Figs. 15-16 (Regular Arrangement). Intelligibility in the random arrangement 

was very low, 0.266, therefore, this plan is not suitable for the city. On the other hand, in the regular 

arrangement, the figure of Integration (Fig. 15) was similar to the figure of Connectivity (Fig. 16), then 

Intelligibility was very high, 0.781. High intelligibility means that it is easy for newcomers to go to any 

places. Then, hypotheses a), and b) were confirmed. 

Table III Fixed Color Range of Properties of Axial Analysis in Ramdom and Regular Arrangement** 

1 

ace 

nt), 

Min (Blue) 

Max (Red) 

Table III Fixed Color Range of Integration Properties of Axial Analysis 0.5 in Ramdom 4.5 

and Regular Arrangement** 

Connectivity (Axial) 1 19 

** The original color ranges in the random arrangement Min was (Blue) between 0.53 Max and (Red) 1.19 (Integration), and between 1 

and 15 (Connectivitiy (Axial)). 


4-2. Isovist Analysis: Connectivity (Axial) 1 19 

In 4-2. ** this The Isovist section, original Analysis: I color analysed ranges Area, in the Connectivity random arrangement (Isovist), was and between Step Depth 0.53 from and 1.19 the school (Integration), (a red and marked between 1 

place and 15 in In (Connectivitiy Figs. this section, 20 and I (Axial)). 23) analysed by using Area, Depthmap. Connectivity Results (Isovist), of this and analysis Step Depth were from shown the school in Figs. (a 18-20 red marked place 

in Figs. 20 and 23) by using Depthmap. Results of this analysis were shown in Figs. 18-20 (Random Arragement), 

(Random Arragement), and in Figs. 21-23 (Regular Arrangement). Color ranges of Area, Connectivity, 

in Figs. 21-23 (Regular Arrangement). Color ranges of Area, Connectivity, and Step Depth were fixed as 

and 4-2. Step Isovist Depth Analysis: were fixed as shown in Table IV. 

shown in Table IV. 

In this section, I analysed Area, Connectivity (Isovist), and Step Depth from the school (a red marked place 

in Figs. 20 and 23) by using Depthmap. Results of this analysis were shown in Figs. 18-20 (Random Arragement), 

Table IV Fixed Color Range of Properties of Isovist Analysis in Random and Regular Arrangement*** 

and in Figs. 21-23 (Regular Arrangement). Color ranges of Area, Connectivity, and Step Depth were fixed as 

shown in Table IV. 

Min 

Max 

Table IV Fixed Color Range of Properties Area of Isovist Analysis 35.78 m 2 in Random 26099 and m 2 Regular Arrangement*** 

Connectivity (Isovist) 5 3486 

Step Depth from school Min 

0 Max 

15 

Max: Area 35.78 m 2 

4.5 

Max: 26099 m 2 

*** The original color ranges in the random arrangement was between 35.78 19 m Min: 0.5 Connectivity (Isovist) 5 Min: 1 3486 

2 and 18334 m 2 (Area) ,and between 

5 and 2442 (Connectivituy (Isovist)). The original color range 

(fixed) Step Depth from school 0 of Step Depth from school in the regular 

(fixed) 

arrangement was between 0 and 4. 

15 

Max: 4.5 

Max: 19 

As mentioned Min: 0.5 the case of the current site, figures of Area (Figs.18 Min: 1 and 21) were very similar to figures of 

Connectivity (Isovist) (fixed)(Figs. 19 and 22) respectively. For Step Depth (fixed) (see Fig. 20), people who live in some places 

have to turn 15 times to go to the school in the random arrangement, then, hypothesis c) was confirmed. On the 

other hand, in the regular arrangement, the maximum of Step Depth from the school was 4 (see Fig. 23), therefore, 

we can go to the school easily, then, hypothesis d) was confirmed. 

10000m 

10000m 

5. Ecotect Analysis for Vertical Plans: 

10000m 

10000m 

In this chapter, I simulated effects of 

Fig. 12 Integration in Random the height of the buildings 

Arrangement 

Fig. 13 the roads 

Connectivity (Shadow 

in and 

Random Solar Radiation) 

Arrangement 

by using Ecotect. I considered following vertical plans (Figs. 24-26). 

-Vertical plan 1: only 2-3 storied buildings (8-12 m) 

10000m 

10000m 


-Vertical Fig. plan 123: Integration mainly 4-7 in storied Random buildings, Arrangement and a few very Fig. 13 high Connectivity buildings (70 in m, Random 85 Arrangement m) 

I analysed only the vertical plans in regular arrangement, that is, I didn’t analyse in the random arrangement 

because I wanted to see the effects of height of the buildings. The analysis of the regular arrangement was enough 

to see these effects. In this simulation, Digital Urban I used Simulation a weather data | Final of Tokyo project (Latitude: documentation 36° 2' N, Longitude: 140° 13 4' E). 

I simulated shadow ranges from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. The reason why the end of analysis time was 3:45 p.m. was

10000m 

Fig. 12 Integration in Random Arrangement 

10000m 

Fig. 13 Connectivity in Random Arrangement 

Fig. 14 Intelligibility in Random Arrangement 

Digital Urban Simulation | Analysis of My Neighborhood 

As mentioned in the case of the current site, figures of Area (Figs.18 and 21) were very similar to 

figures of Connectivity (Isovist) (Figs. 19 and 22) respectively. For Step Depth (see Fig. 20), people 

who live in some places have to turn 15 times to go to the school in the random arrangement, then, 

hypothesis c) was confirmed. On the other hand, in the regular arrangement, the maximum of Step 

Depth from the school was 4 (see Fig. 23), therefore, we can go to the school easily, then, hypothesis 

d) was confirmed. 

5. Ecotect Analysis for Vertical Plans: 

In this chapter, I simulated effects of the height of the buildings on the roads (Shadow and Solar Radiation) 

by using Ecotect. I considered following vertical plans (Figs. 24-26). 



-Vertical plan 3: mainly 4-7 storied buildings, and a few very high buildings (70 m, and 85 m) 

I analysed only the vertical plans in regular arrangement, that is, I didn’t analyse in the random arrangement 

because I wanted to see the effects of height of the buildings. The analysis of the regular 

arrangement was enough to see these effects. In this simulation, I used a weather data of Tokyo 

(Latitude: 36° 2' N, Longitude: 140° 4' E). I simulated shadow ranges from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. The 

reason why the end of analysis time was 3:45 p.m. was that the sunset on winter solstice is before 4 

p.m. In the northern hemisphere, the summer solstice is 22nd June, 

and the winter solstice is 22nd December. Hypotheses for Ecotect analysis were as follows. 

In the shadow analysis 

a) the lengh of the shadow on winter solstice is longer than that on the summer solstice. 

b) the higher the buildings are, the longer the shadow is. 

In the solar radiation analysis 

c) the values of the solar radiation on the roads on winter solstice are smaller than those on the summer 

solstice. 

d) the higher the buildings are, the smaller the solar radiation on the roads 

14 


Chair of 

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to see these effects. In this simulation, I used a weather data of Tokyo (Latitude: 36° 2' N, Longitude: 140° 4' E). 

I simulated shadow ranges from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. The reason why the end of analysis time was 3:45 p.m. was 

Max: 4.5 

Min: 0.5 

(fixed) 

Max: 19 

Min: 1 

(fixed) 

10000m 

Fig. 15 Integration in Regular Arrangement 

10000m 

Fig. 16 Connectivity in Regular Arrangement 

5-1. Shadow Analysis: 

Fig. 17 Intelligibility in Regular Arrangement 

3 / 5 

I simulated the shadows of the buildings on the summer solstice, and on the winter solstice. Results 

of this simulation were shown in Figs. 27-29 (the summer solstice), and in Figs. 30-32 (the winter 

solstice). Figure 27 was very similar to Fig. 28 because, in summer, the height of the sun is high, 

and the shadow does long. Then, in summer, influences of the height of the buildings were small. In 

Fig. 32, the shadows of the very high buildings influenced other buildings. This may cause a conflict 

between residents. Whether the sun light enter in their house or not is an important issue for 

many people. In general, compared with the same place, the results of this simulation on the winter 

solstice were similar to those on the summer solstice, but shadow length on the winter solstice 

became longer than that on the summer solstice because the height of the sun in winter is lower 

than in summer, then hypothesis a) was confirmed. For hypothesis b), it is hard to see it from these 

figures, but obvious from the common sense. 


15

esults of this simulation on the winter solstice were similar to those on the summer solstice, but shadow length on 

Max: 26099m 2 

Min: 35.78m 2 

(fixed) 

Max: 3486 

Min: 5 

(fixed) 

Max: 15 

Min: 0 

(fixed) 

10000m 

10000m 

10000m 

Fig. 18 Area in Random 

Arrangement 

Max: 26099m 2 

Min: 35.78m 2 

(fixed) 

Fig. 19 Connectivity in Random 

Arrangement 

Max: 3486 

Min: 5 

(fixed) 

Fig. 20 Step Depth in Random 

Arrangement 

Max: 15 

Min: 0 

(fixed) 

10000m 

10000m 

10000m 

Fig. 21 Area in Regualr 

Arrangement 

Fig. 22 Connectivity in Regular 

Arrangement 

Fig. 23 Step Depth in Regular 

Arrangement 

Digital Urban Simulation | Analysis of My Neighborhood 

5-2. Solar Radiation Analysis: 

Next, I simulated the solar radiation on the roads on the summer solstice, and on the winter solstice. 

Results of this simulation were shown in Figs. 33-35 (the summer solstice), and in Figs. 36-38 (the 

winter solstice). Values of this simulation were the daily average. The maximum of the solar radiation 

on the summer solstice was 5400 Wh, and the minimum was 400 Wh. On the other hand, the maximum 

of the solar radiation on the winter solstice was 2820 Wh, and the minimum was 120 Wh. Then, 

hypothesis c) was confirmed. As shown in Figs. 33-35 (the summer solstice), the roads of the vertical 

plan 1 had the highest radiation among them as well as the case on the winter solstice (see Figs. 

36-38). In the both seasons, the results of the vertical plan 2 and plan 3 (see Figs.34-35 and 37-38) 

were similar. This means that, in the city which contains mainly 4-7 storied buildings, the effects of the 

very high buildings on the roads are small, then hypothesis d) was not confirmed. However, as shown 

in Figs. 29, and 32, the effects of the very high buildings on other buildings were high, therefore the 

vertical plan 3 may not be suitable for this city. 

16 


Chair of 

Information 

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in Figs. 29, and 32, the effects of the very high buildings on other buildings were high, therefore the vertical plan 

3 may not be suitable for this city. 

on 

Fig. 24 Vertical Plan 1 



Fig. 27 Shadow Analysis in Summer 

(Vertical Plan 1) 





Fig. 30 Shadow Analysis in Winter 






4 / 5 

6. Discussion and Conclusion: 

What I found from the two analyses are as follows, 

In Depthmap analysis, 

-Random arrangement: low Intelligibility, and high Step Depth (×) 

-Regular arrangement: high Intelligibility, and low Step Depth (O) 

--> The regular arrangement is better than the random arrangement in terms of the safety for children 

and the easy management. 

In Ecotect analysis, 

-Vertical plan 1 (only 2-3 storied buildings): a few effects of the shadow on the roads (O) 

-Vertical plan 2 (only 4-7 storied buildings): some effects of the shadow on the roads (∆), but a little 

difference from Vertical plan 1 

-Vertical plan 3 (Vertical plan 2 + very high buildings): some effects of the shadow on the roads (∆), 

but bad scenery (×) 

--> The vertical plan 1 had the less effects on the roads than the vertical plan 2, but there was a little 

difference between them. Considering a capasity of the buildings, the vertical plan which contains 

only 4-7 storied buildings is better than the other vertical plans. Considering these things, I concluded 

that we should design a conbination of the horizontal plan 2 (Regular Arrangement) and the vertical 

plan 2 (Middle-rise Buildings). 


17

etween them. Considering a capasity of the buildings, the vertical plan which contains only 4-7 storied buildings 

is better than the other vertical plans. Considering these things, I concluded that we should design a conbination 

of the horizontal plan 2 (Regular Arrangement) and the vertical plan 2 (Middle-rise Buildings). 

Fig. 33 Solar Radiation Analysis in 

Summer (Vertical Plan 1) 





In the real world, Barcelona in Spain (Fig. 39), and Kyoto in Japan (Fig. 40) are examples of the regular 

arrangement city, on the other hand Fez in Morocco (Fig. 41), and Venezia in Italy (Fig. 42) are examples of the 

random arranmement cities. Of course, there are some advantages in the random arrangement (e.g. it is easy to 

prevent enemies from attacking), but, in terms of the management of the city, the regular arrangement is better 

than the random arrangement. 


Winter (Vertical Plan 1) 





Digital In the real Urban world, Simulation Barcelona in | Spain Analysis (Fig. 39), of My and Neighborhood 

Kyoto in Japan (Fig. 40) are examples of the regular 

arrangement city, on the other hand Fez in Morocco (Fig. 41), and Venezia in Italy (Fig. 42) are 

examples of the random arranmement cities. Of course, there are some advantages in the random 

arrangement (e.g. it is easy to prevent enemies from attacking), but, in terms of the management of 

the city, the regular arrangement is better than the random arrangement. 

Fig. 39 Barcelona in Spain 

Fig. 40 Kyoto in Japan 

18 


Chair of 

Information 

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Fig. 39 Barcelona in Spain 

Fig. 40 Kyoto in Japan 

Fig. 42 Fez in Morocco 

Fig. 41 Venezia in Italy 

5 / 5 


19

Optimization of window dimensions 

to solar gains 

Student: Paul Neitzel

Introduction 

Better glass production and processing techniques as well as improvements in the glass characteristics 

made it possible to increase the glass fraction on building facades drastically in the last decades. 

This is a very appreciated development, because increased daylight contributes a better part to the 

user comfort. However a high percentage of transparent facade causes an increase in solar gains, 

which is an advantage in winter, but can be a disadvantage in summer. If the high solar gains can not 

be counter acted by night ventilation the building needs to be air conditioned. In order to keep the 

energy consumption of a building at a minimum, not only should the heating loads but also the cooling 

needs to be minimized. For this reason the project attempts to optimize the window dimensions 

individually to meet the optimal solar gains. If a building is air conditioned nearly all glass fractions of 

the facade can be realized. It is only a matter of cooling load to keep the room temperatures within 

the comfort zone, even during hot summer days. However, this study aims to 

examine the case, where no active cooling should be necessary. We set the maximum floor specific 

external gain that can be counter acted by night cooling to 7 W/m2. From this boundary condition we 

calculate backwards what the individual window dimensions need to be to meet the given condition 

for different climatic regions (Zurich, southern Italy and northern Scotland). A brief description of the 

analysis, a before and after view on the investigated sites and a comparison of the calculated factor f 

with latitude is given in the following. 

window dimensions to solar gains 

View on on the the investigated building building from the from crossroads the crossroads of Herdernstrasse of Herdernstrasse and Bullingerstrasse. and Bullingerstrasse. 

https://www.stadt-zuerich.ch/hbd/de/index/ueber_das_departement/medien/medienmitteilungen/2014/mai/140526a.htmlv 

https://www.stadt-zuerich.ch/hbd/de/index/ueber_das_departement/medien/medienmitteilungen/2014mai/140526a.htmlv 

How can the window dimensions be adapted in a way that overheating in summer can be prevented 

without air conditioning? 

Analysis 

imization The of window five floors dimensions and the corresponding to solar gains windows as well as the other part of the complex and the surrounding 

buildings are created in Grasshopper and exported as meshes to Ecotect. With the solar 

access analysis the total radiation on the window meshes was calculated. The analysis was carried 

out for the month of July, because overheating is not only depending on the incident radiation, which 

22 


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typical value for external blinds. 

In a second step the original width of each 

window was weighted with the factor f and 

the solar access analysis was repeated. That 

etzigrund. The examined part of the building complex is the south 

ing radiation. As a measure of radiation the 

average hourly values for the time period 

Building Site 

The study is conducted on a building project 

on Herdernstrasse in Zurich, which is currently 

in the preliminary design study phase. 

The architects planned on realizing a reasonably 

priced living and business complex including 

studios and kindergarten with a Minergie-P-ECO 

standard. 

from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. were calculated. 

For the analysis the southeast wing of the 

The investigated site will be be completed in in 2018. It is It is set set opposite of of the the stadium Letzigrund. The The examined part part of the of building the building complex complex is the is south the south 

eastern wing on Bullingerstrasse. 

complex was chosen and for time limiting 

To answer the question posed in the beginning 

a limit for the maximum energy per floor 

reasons a strongly simplified model was built. 

has its peak on 21st of June, but also depends on the surrounding The five floors as well have as an the identical building ground temperature, 

which has a maximum shifted in time from the maximum and the of incoming same window radiation. sizes. As a measure of 

plot 

area needs to be set. I choose the value of 7 

W/m 2 , which is the threshold value for internal 

gains in a building without air condition- 

radiation the average hourly values for the time period from 18 a.m. to 6 p.m. were calculated. To answer 

How the can question the window posed dimensions in the beginning adapted 

in I choose a way that the value overheating of 7 W/m2, in summer which is can the threshold 

a limit for the maximum ing 

The 

radiation. 

other energy part 

As 

of per a 

the 

measure floor complex area of needs and 

radiation 

the to be surrounding 

value for 

ing. In order to adapt the window dimensions 

the 

set. 

average hourly 

internal buildings 

values 

gains on Bullingerstrasse 

for 

a building 

the time 

without 

period 

and 

in a way that the total area specific radiation 

air 

be 

conditioning. 

prevented without 

In order 

air 

to 

conditioning? 

adapt the window dimensions 

from 

Herdernstrasse in a 

8 

way 

a.m. 

that 

to 

the 

6 

are 

p.m. 

total modeled 

were 

area 

calculated. 

specific by extruding radia-thtion 

input p c = does −ln(φ)ρ not l Rexceed v T the threshold value a factor f is (1) ground calculated plot to in the following average building way. height. 

input does not exceed the threshold value a 

factor f is calculated in the following way. 

Analysis 

To answer the question posed in the beginning 

a limit for the maximum energy per floor 

The five 

f = 

floors 7 W The g-value corresponds to the fraction of radiation that enters through 

mand 2 the corresponding the glass including win-direcdows as gf well as 

transmission area 

(2) 

needs and to secondary be set. I choose heat dissipation the value of of 7 

Athe other part of the complex 

and the surrounding buildings glassing with are creat- 

low e-coating. The nal factor gains fc in accounts a building for without the reduction air condition- 

of 

W/m 2 c I window tot , is the threshold value for inter- 

A room 

the glass. Here I used a value of 0.7, which is an average value for double 

ed in Grasshopper and exported as meshes ing. In order to adapt the window dimensions 

to Ecotect. K v = δ With 

aφ p v,sat 

the solar access analysis in (3) a way that the total area specific radiation 

incoming the total solar radiation 

µρradiation l R v T 

the of the window sunshade. meshes 0.25 is a typical input value does for external not exceed blinds. the In threshold a second value step a 

the was original calculated. width The of each analysis window was was carried weighted out with the factor f is and calculated 

pthe c = solar −ln(φ)ρ 

in access the l R v 

following 

Tanalysis way. was 

repeated. for the month That of way July, because overheating is 

dow not dimensions only depending D v = to K a uniform solar load per area of 7 W/m2 for every room was obtained. 

v 

The adapted window solar on sizes the gains and 

C incident the total radiation, incoming (4) 

radiation which has expressed its peak on in Wh/h 21st of is shown June, but in following also the results section. The above 7 W specified analysis 

m 

was f = 

2 

depends 

not only 

on 

carried 

the surrounding 

out for Zurich, 

as well 

but 

as 

to evaluate 

the 

the influence of latitude on the Awindow gf c I dimensions 

tot A room 

building 

D 

temperature, which has a maximum 

l = − 1 ∫ 

two locations one ww0 

λdu in southern Italy and the other in northern Scotland were selected. 

(5) 

Building shifted in Site time 2 from 

δw 

the maximum of incom- 

δλ 

The study is conducted K v = δ aφ p v,sat 

(D l (w)) = log(D(w cap )) + F on a building project on Herdernstrasse in Zurich, which is currently in the 

w − w cap 

preliminary design study phase. The (6) architects planned on realizing a reasonably µρ l Rpriced v T living and 

business complex including 

ln(10) 

studios 

w cap 

and kindergarten with a Minergie-P-ECO standard. For the analysis 

the southeast wing of the complex was chosen and for time limiting reasons 

( ) 

Digital Urban Simulation | Optimization of window dimensions D v = to K a strongly simplified 

model was built. The 2 v 

Acap five floors have an identical ground plot and the same window solar sizes. gains The other 

part D(wof cap the )= complex f (F) 

(7) 

C 

w 

and the surrounding 

cap 

buildings on Bullingerstrasse and Herdernstrasse are modeled by extruding the ground plot to the 

average building height. 

D l = − 1 ∫ ww0 

λdu 

F 2 

f (F)= 

2 δw 

2F − 1 − ( F − 1 + ( 3 δλ 

2 

− 

π 

4 ) ) F 2 e −F (8) 

Digital Urban Simulation | log(D Final l (w)) project = log(D(w documentation cap )) + 

F w − w cap 

(6) 23 

ln(10) w cap

Map of Zurich indicating the object’s location, schematic 

expends of the Building complex and the floor plan of the 

investigated south eastern wing. 

Map of Zurich indicating the object’s location, schematic expends 

of the Building complex and the floor plan of the investigated 

south eastern wing. 

Result 

The solar access analysis was carried out for the locations of Zurich (Mid Europe), Aberdeen (northern 

Scotland) and Cagliari (southern Italy).For each site I compare the before (left hand) 

versus after (right hand) situation. The window size of the before-situation corresponds to the initially 

planed dimensions, whereas the window1 / 7 

size of the after-situation corresponds to 

the window dimensions which are adapted according to the calculated f factor. The total radiation 

entering the room is depicted as colour 

coding. The total radiation is calculated from the incident radiation, the window area, the g value and 

the fc value of the sunshade. 

Zurich 

For the location of Zurich the weather data of 

Munich was used. Munich has a similar climate 

being city bordering the Alps to the north and solar radiation patterns do not change such local 

scales. In the initial state the windows of southwest facing facade have highest solar gains. These 

are also the windows, which needed to be scaled down to meet the required 7 W/m2. The smaller 

windows on the back facade could be slightly enlarged. Since the corner rooms have two windows 

the solar gains in these rooms are higher. This is also reflected in solar gains of the northeast facade. 

Even though all the windows have initially the same size, the corner windows need to be reduced in 

size to meet the target of area specific 

solar gains in the rooms. The window dimensions have to be reduced in average by 10 % and the 

total solar gains amount to 7800 Wh/h. 

24 


Chair of 

Information 

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front 

front 

front 

front 

front 

front 

back 

back 

imensions and Window total radiation dimensions entering the windows and of total the initial radiation Situation for entering Zurich. the windows of 

Window the initial dimensions Situation and total for radiation Zurich. entering the windows of the initial back Situation for Zurich. back 

back 

b 

Window dimensions dimensions and total radiation and total entering radiation the windows entering of the adapted the Situation windows for Zurich. of 

the adapted Situation Window dimensions for Zurich. and total radiation entering the windows of the adapted back Situation for Zurichb 

imensions and Window total radiation dimensions entering and the total windows radiation of entering the initial the Situation windows for of Zurich. the initial Situation for Zurich. 

Window dimensions and Window total radiation dimensions entering and the total windows radiation of entering the adapted the windows Situation of for the Zurich. adapted Situation for Zurich 

l Urban Simulation | Optimization of window dimensions to solar gains 

Digital Urban Simulation | Optimization of window dimensions to solar gains 

l Urban Digital Simulation Urban | Simulation Optimization | Optimization of window dimensions of window to dimensions solar gainsto solar gains 

Southern Italy 

front 

back 

Window dimensions 

dimensions 

and total radiation 

and 

entering 

total 

the 

radiation 

windows of 

the initial Situation for southern Italy. 

entering the windows of the initial Situation 

for southern Italy. 

If the object would have been set in southern 

Italy the pattern that can be observed 

matches very closely the one from Zurich, 

even though it is far more pronounced. The 

large windows on the southwestern facade 

Window dimensions and total radiation 

entering the windows of the adapted 

Situation for southern Italy. 

as at the location of Zurich only 65 % reduction 

in size was needed. Also the corner windows 

need to be significantly adapted. The 

average reduction factor for southern Italy is 

0.7 and the total solar gains of the whole 

building part account to approximately 8900 

Wh/h. 


front 

back 

Window dimensions and total radiation entering the windows of 

the adapted Situation for southern Italy. 

Southern Italy 

Northern Scotland 

If the same building is placed in north 

Scotland the picture drawn is very diffe 

from the one of Zurich and southern Ital 

fact here the average window dimension 

not have to be reduced, but can be enlar 

on average by a factor of 10 %. How 

If the object would have been 

set in southern Italy the pattern 

that can be observed matches 

very closely the one from Zurich, 

even though it is far more pronounced. 

The large windows on 

the southwestern facade need 

to be reduced by 50 % in size, 

where as at the location of Zurich 

only 65 % reduction in size 

was needed. Also the corner 

windows need to be significantly 

adapted. The average reduction 

factor for southern Italy is 0.7 

and the total solar gains of the 

whole building part account to 

approximately 8900 Wh/h. 

25 

f 

b

not have to be reduced, but can be enlarged 

on average by a factor of 10 %. However 


entering the windows of 

the initial Situation for northern Scotland. 

Window dimensions and total radiation entering the windows of 

the initial Situation for northern Scotland. 

0 

0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 Reduction 1.4 factor f 

0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 

● 

Latitude 

Northeast facade 

Southeast facade 

Southwest facade 

Calculated reduction factors compared to latitude of the specific 

location. 

30 40 50 60 70 80 

0 

Northern Scotland 

If the same building is placed in 

Correlation with Latitude 

understood northern more as Scotland guidelines the than picture as a 

compulsory drawn requirements. is very different Firstly, from because the 

In order to compare the above shown examples. 

The reduction factor can be plotted dividual sizes In to fact all here the the different average windows. 

against latitude. The different front colours cor- 

Secondly, front if the dimensions focus of do the not building have to lays be on 

it is not economically one of Zurich feasible and southern to assign Italy. inrespond 

to the three different oriented facades. 

There is no clear correlation since the unconfined view on average to the by outside a factor and of not 10 %. on 

the user comfort reduced, regarding but can daylight be enlarged and an 

varying window and room size is offsetting the energetic However performance looking then at this analysis in more 

the clear relationship of total radiation with is unhelpful. detail, At last, the if the windows air conditioning the north of 

latitude for the three different orientations. the room is east obtained facade by can means be enlarged of an energy 

and exergy significantly, efficient cooling but the large system win- 

the 

However, the lowest values are found for the 

southwest facing facade, whereas the factors 

of the northeast facade tend to be at maximize the be solar reduced gains. size The by regenerating 80%. The 

facade is in ows some facing cases southwest even designed need to to 

back 

back 

the upper limit and the ones of the southeast of a thermal total earth solar storage gains with are free 5600 cooling Wh/h. 


facade mostly in between. 

Window dimensions and total radiation entering through the windows the of floor heat exchanger is an example 

Scot- 

for such a system. However, if the 

entering the adapted the Situation windows for northern of Scotland. 

the adapted Situation for northern 

land. 

emphasis lays on the energetic behaviour 

● 

Correlation 

especially 

with Latitude 

to reduce overheating in the summer, 

In order to compare 

then 

the 

this 

above 

analysis 

shown 

might 

examples. 

be helpful 

The 

the 

reduction factor 

gain a 

can 

first 

be 

indication, 

plotted against 

what the 

latitude. 

dimensions 

The different 

colours ● 

of the 

correspond 

windows 

to 

for 

the 

each 

three 

facade 

different 

could 

oriented 

be 

● facades. 

and what the average window fraction of the 

There is no ● 

building 

clear correlation 

could be. 

since 

It is 

the 

then 

varying 

depending 

window 

on 

and room size ● 

the cooling 

is offsetting 

1 / 7system the 

and 

clear 

the 

relationship 

aimed energetic 

of total 

● 

radiation with 

performance, 

latitude for 

how 

the three 

far the 

different 

results 

orientations. 

of such an 

● 

However, the ● 

analysis 

lowest 

should 

values 

be 

are 

taken 

found 

into 

for 

consideration. 

the southwest 

● 

facing facade, whereas the factors of the northeast 

facade tend to be at the upper limit and the ones of the 

30 35 40 45 50 55 60 southeast facade mostly in between. 

Conclusion 

The analysis demonstrates that the amount of solar 

gains is very strongly linked to the window dimensions. 

As a Result from the analysis one can rapidly determine 

the individual 

and optimal size of the windows for each room. These 

dimensions need to be understood more as guidelines than as a compulsory requirements. Firstly, 

because Conclusion it is not economically feasible to assign individual sizes to all the different windows. Secondly, 

if the focus of the building lays on the user comfort regarding daylight and an unconfined view 

to The the analysis outside and demonstrates not the that energetic the amount performance then this analysis is unhelpful. At last, if the air 

conditioning of solar gains of the is very room strongly is obtained linked by means to the of an energy and exergy efficient cooling system the 

facade window is in dimensions. some cases As even a Result designed from to maximize the the solar gains. The regenerating of a thermal 

earth analysis storage one with can free rapidly cooling determine through the the individual 

and if the optimal emphasis size lays of the on windows the energetic for behaviour especially to reduce overheating in the sum- 

floor heat exchanger is an example for such a system. 

However, 

mer, each then room. this analysis These dimensions might be helpful need the to gain be a first indication, what the dimensions of the windows 

for each facade could be and what the average window fraction of the building could be. It is then 

depending on the cooling system and the aimed energetic performance, how far the results of such 

an analysis should be taken into consideration. 

Digital Urban Simulation | Optimization of window dimensions to solar gains 

26 


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Khayelitsha Re-Clustering 

Student: Andrea Gonzales Palos

Digital To analyze Urban urban Simulation element, | there Khayelitsha are different Re-Clustering 

factors that play a role in its interpretations. Appart 

from the rough data, there are economical, social, physical, enviornmental, etc. elements that can affect 

the way a person perceives their enviornment. 

For the following analysis, only the phyisical aspects of a defined urban space are taken into consideration 

to evaluate and eventually propose, with different parameters, a new urban arrangement. 

Factors such as the visibility range in each space, the different routes by which people can move 

along the settlement because of the way the volumes are placed or the areas that are more likely to 

be used in the area, are all analyzed through digital methods. These analysis provide information that 

allows urban planners to then subjectibly evaluate the quality of the existent or designed space. 

Although these type of analysis can sometimes became too objective, and be missing some interpretation 

to really make the usefull, they are a great tool to understand in a simple way, the very complex 

properties that space has. BT Section in Khayelitsha, South Africa, is an informal settlement that 

grew without any plan or consideration for space. It is interesting to see how, due to necessity, people 

arranged their living space in the best way they could, eventually defining an urban area. 

With the use of a digital urban analysis, we can understand how these initial configuration of small 

houses, created a complex urban system, with main paths, crowded spaces and different private 

and public areas. The Khayelitsha Re-Clustering project was done with the aid of digital tools such 

as Grasshopper and Depthmap in order to help the urban planner take into consideration certain 

parameters for the reclustering of the area. The main goal was to mantain some of the current urban 

conditions: main avenues, areas with potential for public spaces, shack sizes and proximity, but also 

to provide a different arrangement option that would improve the space and boost its current qualities. 

For the footprint of the shacks, Grasshopper was used to analyze the current sizes and then 

replace them for established proposed typologies. Then, after doing the path and isovist analysis 

with Depthmap, the main spaces were located, the new typologies automatically rotated and moved 

around them. This same process could be repeated in any other urban settlement, establishing the 

desired housing typologies (sizes, geometry) and then locating streets and “cluster” areas that arrange 

the new typologies. 

30 


Chair of 

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iA Architecture

pologies (sizes, geometry) and then locating streets and “cluster” areas that arrange the new typologies. 

ha Re-Clustering 


31

Analysis 1 (Connectivity): 

Analysis 2 (Isovist Area): 

Analysis 1 (Connectivity): 



Digital Urban Simulation | Khayelitsha Re-Clustering 

32 


Chair of 

Information 

iA Architecture

ulation | Khayelitsha Re-Clustering 

Njongo Avenue 

Maphongwana Avenue 

8 m 2 

10 m 2 BT 4.68 

BT 4.67 

55 m 2 4 A. 

1 A. 

2 K. 

43 m 2 BT 4.16 

1 K. 

BT 4.14 

67 m 2 36 m 2 1 A. 

47 m 2 

4 K. 

30 m 2 1 A. 

BT 4.12 

BT 4.15 

BT 4.18 

2 A. 

BT 4.13 

5 A. 

48 m 2 1 A. 

5 A. 

3 K. 

BT 4.17 

2 K. 

2 K. 

16 m 2 

1 A. 

1 K. 

BT 4.53 

1 A. 

28 m 2 

7 m 2 

BT 4.19 

BT 4.51 

4 A. 

29 m 2 

1 K. 

BT 4.50 

51 m 2 

BT 4.11 

8 m 2 

2 A. 

3 K. 

36 m 

12 m 2 

2 1 A. 

BT 4.70 

BT 4.19 

38 m 2 

39 m 2 

30 m 2 

BT 4.66 

3 K. 

BT 4.54 

BT 4.52 

BT 4.49 

15 m 2 

1 A. 1 A. 

5 A. 

19 m 2 

1 A. 

3 K. 

1 A. 

4 K. 

BT 4.46 

BT 4.44 

4 A. 

1 A. 

18 m 2 

40 m 2 18 m 2 

BT 4.26 

17 m 2 14 m 2 

BT 4.10 

BT 4.43 

30 m 2 BT 4.20 

BT 4.63 

14 m 2 5 A. 14 m 2 

BT 4.45 

BT 4.25 BT 4.22 

1 A. 

7 A. 

11 m 2 

33 m 2 

1 A. 

? 

1 K. 

4 K. 

BT 4.62 

BT 4.55 

25 m 2 1 A. 

1 A. 

6 A. 

1 K. 

1 K. 

? 

BT 4.41 

26 m 2 2 A. 

13 m 2 6 m 2 

1 K. 1 A. 

BT 4.64 

BT 4.69 

BT 4.56 

1 A. 

? 

1 A. 

2 K. 

13 m 2 

BT 4.21 

38 m 

22 m 2 

2 6 A. 

BT 4.23 

BT 4.42 

36 m 2 

128 m 2 

27 m 2 

18 m 2 

2 K. 

1 A. 

34 m 2 BT 4.38 

BT 4.48 

BT 4.24 

21 m 2 

1 A. 

2 K. 

BT 4.09 

6 A. 

BT 4.58 

1 A. 

1 A. 

BT 4.40 

25 m 2 

3 K. 

5 A. 6 A. 

1 K. 

2 K. 

1 A. 

BT 4.39 

2 A. 

3 K. 

BT 4.45 

1 A. 

35 m 2 

1 K. 

29 m 2 

BT 4.27 

29 m 2 

BT 4.28 

36 m 2 

1 A. 

BT 4.35 

4 A. 

3 K. 

BT 4.29 

BT 4.59 

21 m 2 

7 A. 

5 K. 

6 A. 

1 A. 

6 K. 

4 K. 

BT 4.37 

BT 4.08 

4 K. 

BT 4.48 

1 A. 

1 A. 

5 A. 

39 m 2 

BT 4.65 

1 A. 

1 K. 

25 m 2 12 m 2 14 m 2 

BT 4.61 

1 A. 

1 K. 

50 m 2 

BT 4.36 

1 A. 

13 m 2 17 m 2 17 m 2 

BT 4.30 

1 A. 

2 K. 

72 m 2 

BT 4.07 

1 A. 

3 K. 

41 m 2 

BT 4.06 

32 m 2 

BT 4.33 

1 A. 

3 K. 

BT 4.34 

1 A. 

1 K. 

53 m 2 

BT 4.32 

6 A. 

2 K. 

32 m 2 

BT 4.31 

1 A. 

3 K. 

8 m 2 

BT 4.60 

1 A. 

2 K. 

1 A. 

5 K. 

an Simulation | Khayelitsha Re-Clustering 

Current free 

semi-public spaces 

Areas for semi-public space 

after clustering 

10m2 Footprint 

1 floor 

2 floors external stair 


1 floor 


2 floors internal stair 


1 floor 






1 floor 



Proposed Typologies 

0-10m 2 

10m 2 

10m 2 

10m 2 20m 

20m 2 

2 

A 1 B 2 

B 1 $ $$ 

30m 2 

20m 2 20m 2 30m 2 

20m 2 

A 2 B 3 

11-20m 2 

B 2 

30m 2 15m 2 

15m 2 

30m 2 

B 3 

21-30m 2 

20m 2 

20m 2 

C 2 

31-40m 2 

25m 2 

25m 2 

C 3 

30m 2 

C 1 A 3 

30m 2 

30m 2 

C 4 


33

Street Proposal based on Connectivity Analysis 

Courtyard Proposal Based on Isovist Area Analysis 

tyard Street Proposal: and Courtyard Proposal: 

Re-Clustering: 

Re-Clustering: 

Digital imulation Urban | Khayelitsha Simulation Re-Clustering 

| Khayelitsha Re-Clustering 

Street and Courtyard Proposal 

Re-Clustering 

Digital imulation Urban | Khayelitsha Simulation Re-Clustering 

| Khayelitsha Re-Clustering 

34 


Chair of 

Information 

iA Architecture

Analysis 4 (Connectivity Area): 

Analysis 3 (Connectivity) 


Analysis 4 (Connectivity Area) 


35

Conclusions: 

By using the different methods of analysis provided during the course, I could first analyze and localize 

using important the different aspects methods of the original of analysis urban provided plan of during Khayelitsha, the course, and them I could use first them analyze as a guide and localize for an 

By 

important automatically aspects created of the urban original plan. urban plan of Khayelitsha, and them use them as a guide for an automatically 

in the created plan urban created plan. by Grasshopper, it can be seen that the organization of the main pathways is 

clearer. Instead of having paths that went along the edges of the project or didn’t really connect the 

in the different plan spaces, created by in the Grasshopper, second proposal it can be there seen is a that clear the difference organization between of the circulation main pathways space is and clearer. built 

Instead space of and having the main paths street that went are always along the conected edges to of each the project other Looking or didn’t at really the connect Isovist area the analysis, different the spaces, 

original in the second layout of proposal BT Section there created is a clear a very difference irregular between gradation circulation from public space to private and built space. space The and areas the 

main to the street left are of the always site are conected a lot less to each dense other than the right side and this created different visual qualities 

of space throughout the site. In the Digital Re-Clustering, the change of footprint for shacks and the 

Looking rearrangement at the Isovist around area courtyards analysis, the created original a different layout of quality BT Section of space. created Further a very analysis irregular and gradation design is from 

public obviously to private necessary, space. as The the areas geometry to the is left not of the only site are thing a lot that less defines dense an than urban the area, right but side this and digitally this 

created created different proposal visual can qualities defenitely of space be used throughout as a base the for site. an urban In the design Digital that Re-Clustering, has certain the initialy change defined of 

footprint goals. for shacks and the rearrangement around courtyards created a different quality of space. 

Further analysis and design is obviously necessary, as the geometry is not the only thing that defines an urban 

area, but this digitally created proposal can defenitely be used as a base for an urban design that has 

certain initialy defined goals. 


36 


Chair of 

Information 

iA Architecture

e 

omatirer. 

spacthe 

n from 

is 

of 

an urt 

has 


37

Urban Planning in Milan/Cimiano 

Student: Benjamin Gurtner

Summary: 

1. Motivation: 

1. 

This 

Motivation 

new part of the city of Milan is beetween the Parco Lambro and the city. It has to better define 

the limit between building zone and green zone and also to make a better junction beetween parc 

2. 

and 

Analyses: 

city. The goal 

1) Axial 

is to 

map 

make 

(Connectivity, 

a global analyse 

Line Length) 

about this urban planning project. The idea is to use 

different tools 

2) 

to 

Isovist 

make 

map 

a global analyse about different points. 

The axial map 

3) 

has 

Shadows 

to define 

analyse 

where are the more important streets and to see if the organisation is 

really good or 

4) 

not. 

Solar 

The 

access 

isovist 

analyse 

map has to say if the ways (or the openings) from the city to the parc 

are good. The shados analyse has to say if the new part of the city has enough ligntning and if it dont 

3. 

disturb 

Conclusion 

the rest of the city and the parc. Finally, the solar access analyse has to say if the building 

have enough/to much/to less solar radiation. 

1. Motivation: 

This new part of the city of Milan is beetween the Parco Lambro and the city. It has to better define the limit 

between building zone and green zone and also to make a better junction beetween parc and city. 

The goal is to make a global analyse about this urban planning project. The idea is to use different tools to 

make a global analyse about different points. 

The axial map has to define where are the more important streets and to see if the organisation is really good 

or not. The isovist map has to say if the ways (or the openings) from the city to the parc are good. The shados 

analyse has to say if the new part of the city has enough ligntning and if it dont disturb the rest of the city and 

the parc. Finally, the solar access analyse has to say if the building have enough/to much/to less solar radiation. 

Digital Urban Simulation | Name of the project 

Digital Urban Simulation | Final project documentation

2. Analysis 1 (Axial map): 

Ana 


Analysis 2 (Isovist map): 

1. Axial map (Line length) 2. Axial map (Connectivity) 



Analysis 2 (Isovist map): 



3. Axial map (impotant lines) 


We can see that to most important streets 

are along the big street. Its a good point 

We can see that to most important streets for the traffic are because along this the long big streets 

street. Digital Its Urban a good Simulation point for the traffic | Name because have of to take the this project 

most long important streets part of 

the traffic. They are also the most largest 

have to take the most important part street of the in the traffic. planning. They are also 

the most largest street in the planning. 






for the traffic because this long streets 

have to take the most important part of 


street in the planning. 

4. Isovist map 



We can see here that the visual 

have to be use for the traffic. 4. Th Is 

open border who let a visual ap 



for the traffic because this long streets 

have to take the most important part of 


street in the planning. 


We can see here that the visual and spatial connection is good 

We can see here that the visual and spatial connection is good define. The red forms are along the street who 

have define. to be use The for the red traffic. forms The connection are along from the the big street to the who parc is have good. This to urban be use zone for is like an 

open border who let a visual appeal from the green zone to the big street (city). 

the traffic. The connection from the big street to the parc is good. 

This urban zone is like an open border who let a visual appeal from 

the green zone to the big street (city). 

1 / x 

We 

hav 

ope 


41

Analysis 3 (Shadows analyse): 

Analysis Analysis (Shadows 3 (Shadows analyse): analyse): 

Ana 

Ana 

We 

We 

dea 

rise 

dea 

The 

quie 

The 

quie 

The 

bec 

The 

bec 

larg 

situ 

buil 

larg 

bui 

This 

not 

This 

little 

not 

littl 

5. Winter solstice (12/21) 



The low rise of the buildings dont 

disturb the rest of the city and the 

parc. The free places in the new 

building zone are also usefull for the 

lightning inside this urban zone. 


6. Summer solstice (6/12) 

6. Summer solstice (6/12) 

The low rise of the buildings dont disturb the rest of the city and the parc. The free places in the new 

building zone are also usefull for the lightning inside this urban zone. 


Digital Urban Simulation Name of the project 

7. S 

7. Digital Urban Simulation | Final project documentation

The orientation south/west to north/east is also not bad and 

quiet place to work in summer and winter. 

Analysis The tower Analysis 4 (Solar in the 4 (Solar access north/east access analyse): have analyse): also not to much sunlight 

becasue of her orientation. Of course we can see that the 

We can We see can here see that here the that solar the radiation solar radiation is not to is hard. not to The hard. low 

large The and low the rise buildings of the from buildings a side and make the shadows differenet in the free places 

deal buildings beetween make from a good shadows the other deal beetween and side sunlight. of the shadows street. and sunlight. The 

orientation south/west to north/east is also not bad and 

The This orientation problem quiet place is actually south/west to work not in to summer so north/east hard because and is winter. also the not building The bad tower and are in 

quiet not high the place north/east and to we work think have summer that also there not and is to enough winter. much sunlight also becasue in the of 

little her streets. orientation. Of course we can see that the situation in 

The tower the little in the streets north/east is different. have This also not streets to much are not sunlight so large 

becasue and of the her buildings orientation. from Of a course side make we can shadows see that in the the 

buildings from the other side of the street. This problem is 

large actually and the not buildings so hard from because a side make the building shadows are in not the high and 

buildings we think from that the there other is side enough of the light street. also in the little streets. 

This problem is actually not so hard because the building are 

not high and we think that there is enough light also in the 

little streets. 

7. Solar radiation plan 

3. Conclusions: 

7. Solar radiation plan 8.-9.-10. Solar radiation in façade 

After this global analyse, we can say that this new urban 

zone answer good to the different questions: 

-The traffic is good manage (with the two big streets 

along this zone). 

-The connections to the parc are also good manage. The 

visual connection to the parc is good and the are a lot of 

different ways to go there. This connection is also good 

8.-9.-10. Solar radiation in façade 

in the point of view of the traffic because we see that the 

7. Solar radiation plan 8.-9.-10. Solar radiation in façade 

most important perpendicular streets are exactly where the streets for traffic is plane. 

- The question of the solar radiation and the shadow is also good resolve in this urban zone with the 

different openings (free zones) beetween building and the low rise of this part of the city. In conclusion, 

we can say that we are happy from the result of this global analyse who confirm our choice for 1 / x 

this new urban zone in terms of connection with the parc, managment of the traffic and solar radiation. 

We can say positively that this new plan have not factual big problems. 

1 / x 


43

Rosengartentram & Rosengartentunnel 

Student: Bettina Dobler

terventions it will be more attractive to live there, because of the good connections and the noise reduction. 

Digital Urban Simulation | Rosengartentram & Rosengartentunnel 

Summary: 

In 1973 the four-lane Rosengartenstrasse was built as a provisional element of the Westtangente. 

Since then the Rosengartenstrasse cuts through the district Wipkingen/ Rosengarten and makes any 

further urban development impossible for this area. Today 56000 cars drive along the Rosengartenstrasse 

every day. Because there is a lot of traffic on this road, the bus lines from Albisriederplatz to 

Buecheggplatz are always overstrained. Also the adjacent residential districts suffer from the traffic 

jam, the air pollution, traffic noise and from the Rosengartenstrasse as a danger zone for children. 

The City and the Canton worked out a plan to solve the infrastructural problems. They want to build 

a new tram line from Albisriederplatz to Milchbuck to improve the public transportation network of 

Zurich.They also want to build a tunnel from the Wipkingerplatz to the Buechegggplatz and to the 

Milchbuck for a better traffic flow through the city. 

In 2024 they start with the construction of the Rosengartentram & Rosengartentunnel. The expected 

opening of the Rosengartentunnel should happen in 2030 and after two years the new tram line will 

be realised. The projects cost 860 mio. CHF. The parties involved are TAZ, VBZ, DAV. AfS, UZG and 

the Canton of Zurich. This two projects will also have many effects on the residential districts Wipkingen/ 

Rosengarten. After the interventions it will be more attractive to live there, because of the 

good connections and the noise reduction. 

Motivation: 

I live near Wipkingen and I often have to use the Rosengartenstrasse by bus. Sometimes it is really 

exhausting, because if I have to use the Rosengartenstrasse by bus, their are always late. 

I recognize the problems of the Rosengartenstrasse and that is why I want to prove the proposed 

infrastructural projects. I am interessted in what are the effects of the Rosengartentram & Rosengartentunnel 

on the neighbourhoods and how the importance of the Rosengartenstrasse changes, but 

first I want to understand the current situation of the Rosengartenstrasse. I also would like to know 

which areas would be activated by such a intervention and where the new sites of potentials in terms 

of further development are. I think the angular segment map analysis could provide a better understanding 

of the complex situation. So I would like to analyse this current situation and want to have a 

look at the situation before and after the planned projects. 

46 


Chair of 

Information 

iA Architecture

ngartenstrasse Rosengartenstrasse today: traffic flow today: at 11 am traffic flow at 11 am 

Rosengartenstrasse Rosengartenstrasse today: traffic jam today: at 18 pm traffic jam at 18 pm 

Rosengartenstrasse today: traffic flow at 11 am 

Rosengartenstrasse today: traffic jam at 18 pm 

al annings City Urban and Simulation of the Plannings Digital the Canton City Urban and | Zurich: Rosengartentram of Simulation the the Canton City | and Zurich: Rosengartentram & Rosengartentunnel 

the Canton & Zurich: Rosengartentunnel 

igital ulation Urban | Simulation Rosengartentram | Rosengartentram & Rosengartentunnel & Rosengartentunnel 


47

Analysis of the Rosengartentunnel from Wipkingerplatz to Buecheggplatz: 

Buecheggplatz 

Current Current situation situation the at Rosengartenstrasse: 

the The Rosengartenstrasse cuts through the neighbourhood. 

The Rosengartenstrasse cuts through the neighbourhood. 

there is Because no connection there is from no connection one from one 

Because 

side of side the of street the street to the other to side other of the side street, of the I street, I 

had to had double to double the line the for line Rosengartenstrasse for and and 

seperated seperated them them to creat to creat the rhight the rhight segments segments for the for the 

analysis analysis with Depthmap. with Depthmap. 

Wipkingerplatz 

Buecheggplatz 

Two- Two- lane Rosengartenstrasse: 

lane Rosengartenstrasse: 

The new traffic management guarantees a constant 

network The of new the traffic disticts. management For this case guarantees I could draw a constant 

the lines network like to of run the the disticts. analysis. For this case I could draw 

Becasue the lines this tool like is to not run able the analysis. to recognize different 

layers Becasue I splited up this the tool analysis not able into two to recognize ( one which different 

showes layers the I situation splited up above the analysis the tunnel into and two one ( one which 

which showes showes the the situation situation by above using the the tunnel tunnel) and . one 

which showes the situation by using the tunnel) . 


Buecheggplatz 

Rosengartentunnel: 

Rosengartentunnel: 

With this 

With 

drawing 

this drawing 

I tried 

I 

to 

tried 

run 

to 

the 

run 

analysis 

the analysis 

by using 

by using 

the tunnel, 

the tunnel, 

but the 

but 

Rosengartentunnel 

the Rosengartentunnel 

exonerate 

exonerate 

the 

the 

Rosengartenstrasse 

Rosengartenstrasse 

above 

above 

which 

which 

you can 

you 

not 

can 

show 

not show 

in Depthmap, 

in Depthmap, 

because 

because 

this tool 

this 

does 

tool does 

not recognize 

not recognize 

different 

different 

layers. 

layers. 



48 


Chair of 

Information 

iA Architecture

adius/ choice: Current situation at the Rosengartenstrasse 

: 

e neighfrom 

one 

street, I 

sse and 

ts for the 

constant 

uld draw 

different 

e which 

and one 

nnel) . 

by using 

erate the 

ot show 

ecognize 

I took the streetdata from open street map. Then I worked with Q- GIS and produced a map with all 

driveable roads by creating filters ( type is not foodpath, type is not hiking trail, type is not....). After that I 

cleaned it up in Rhinoceros. Then I imported the the cleaned dxf to Depthmap and runned the analysis of 

the whole city for 2 hours. 

Analysis 2 

Space syntax analysis/ angular segment analysis/ include weighted measures/ angular connectivity/ no 

radius/ choice: Rosengartentunnel 

To analyse the Rosengartentunnel I had to run two seperate analysises. I splited it into one analysis which 

should show the situation above the new tunnel and into another analysis which should show the condition 

by using the tunnel. Belowe you can see the analysis of the situation above the tunnel. You see that the axis 

Hardbrücke- Buecheggplatz becomes more important and some roads are light- blue in this area, because 

now they are better connected to each other. 

Analysis 1 

Space syntax analysis/ angular segment analysis/ 

include weighted measures/ angular connectivity/ no 

radius/ choice: Current situation at the Rosengartenstrasse 

I took the streetdata from open street map. Then I 

worked with Q- GIS and produced a map with all 

driveable roads by creating filters ( type is not foodpath, 

type is not hiking trail, type is not....). After that I 

cleaned it up in Rhinoceros. Then I imported the the 

cleaned dxf to Depthmap and runned the analysis of 

the whole city for 2 hours. 

Analysis 3 



Here you can see the analysis by using the tunnel. The result is a bit unconvincing, because you can not 

see the importance of the Rosengartenstrasse and how the tunnel exonerates it. Maybe the choosen 

sector was too small, but to run three times a analysis of the whole Canton it would calculate a long time. 

Analysis 2 

ivity/ no 

s which 

ndition 

the axis 

ecause 

Analysis 3 



Here you can see the analysis by using the tunnel. The result is a bit unconvincing, because you can not 

see the importance of the Rosengartenstrasse and how the tunnel exonerates it. Maybe the choosen 

sector was too small, but to run three times a analysis of the whole Canton it would calculate a long time. 





To analyse the Rosengartentunnel I had to run two 

seperate analysises. I splited it into one analysis 

which should show the situation above the new tunnel 

and into another analysis which should show the 

condition by using the tunnel. Belowe you can see 

the analysis of the situation above the tunnel. You see 

that the axis Hardbrücke- Buecheggplatz becomes 

more important and some roads are light- blue in this 

area, because now they are better connected to each 

other. 

Analysis 3 




Here you can see the analysis by using the tunnel. 

The result is a bit unconvincing, because you can not 

see the importance of the Rosengartenstrasse and 

how the tunnel exonerates it. Maybe the choosen 

sector was too small, but to run three times a analysis 

of the whole Canton it would calculate a long time. 


49

Analysis 4 

Space syntax analysis/ angular segment analysis/ no radius/ choice: Current tram network of Zurich 

First I draw the whole tram network of Zurich in Rhinoceros. After that I imported the dxf file in Depthmap 

and runned the analysis. What we see through this analysis is that at the moment the tram network is not 

well connected in the outer regions of Zurich. The lines are blue there. The line in red is at the moment the 

most important tram axis. It is the line from the Central through the Bahnhofstrasse to the Bellevue. 

Analysis 5 

Space syntax analysis/ angular segment analysis/ no radius/ choice: Network with Rosengartentram line 

The Rosengartentram line connectes the northern part with the western part of the tram network of Zurich. 

In the analysis you see very well the importance of this linke. This new tram line activates these two parts 

very much. 

Analysis 4 

Space syntax analysis/ angular segment analysis/ no 

radius/ choice: Current tram network of Zurich 

First I draw the whole tram network of Zurich in Rhinoceros. 

After that I imported the dxf file in Depthmap 

and runned the analysis. What we see through this 

analysis is that at the moment the tram network is not 

well connected in the outer regions of Zurich. The 

lines are blue there. The line in red is at the moment 

the most important tram axis. It is the line from the 

Central through the Bahnhofstrasse to the Bellevue. 

ch 

thmap 

k is not 

ent the 

. 

Analysis 5 

Space syntax analysis/ angular segment analysis/ no radius/ choice: Network with Rosengartentram line 

The Rosengartentram line connectes the northern part with the western part of the tram network of Zurich. 

In the analysis you see very well the importance of this linke. This new tram line activates these two parts 

very much. 


Analysis 5 

Space syntax analysis/ angular segment analysis/ no 

radius/ choice: Network with Rosengartentram line 

The Rosengartentram line connectes the northern 

part with the western part of the tram network of 

Zurich. 

In the analysis you see very well the importance of 

this linke. This new tram line activates these two parts 

very much. 

50 


Chair of 

Information 

iA Architecture

Conclusions: 

The angular segment analysis is a good tool for analysing street networks, because it reflects the real 

street organisation and how someone decide to use which street. It is a good tool to get a better understanding 

of complex networks. By analysing the smaller and closed tram network it worked very 

well. 

To test the Rosengartentunnel I had some problems which I could not solve. For example this tool is 

not able to recognize different layers and can not calculate the exoneration of a district from a tunnel. 

An other problem is, that this tool cannot notice different hierarchies of different roads, that is why 

some lines became red, although this roads in reality are less important , because it is for example a 

30 km/h zone and that is why you would use the highway where you can drive faster, although the 

distance by using the highway is in fact longer ( meters). It also does not recognize one way roads. By 

choosing the size of the sector you want to analyse you have to pay attention, because if you choose 

a too small sector you will get a wrong result ( like my in my case by analysing the city the importance 

of the Rosengartenstrasse was not visible because of that) and if you choose a too big sector it will 

calculate too many hours. 

In future I will use this tool for analysing closed, not too big and equal networks which lie all on one 

layer, because then it provides me with crucial information to support my design. Then I see where is 

what how important and then I am able to test and compare different designs and developments. 


51


BT Section Khayelitsha- Urban Relations 

Student: Emma Paola Flores Herrera 


53

Summary: 

Being an informal settlement, BT Section in Khayeltisha has no designed nor planned urban layout, 

leading to having a lack of an urban arrangement that may lead 

Analysis 

to improve 

1 (Spatial 

the community’s 

Syntex I- Relations 

living 

in in betw 

conditions. A series of analysis of the spatial arrangement of the shacks, lead to the finding of pathways 

as well as communal spaces which may be called “courtyards”. 

The specific characteristics being: 

a) every shack should face a public space as well as a courtyard (public and semiprivate facades) 

b) there should be a main pathway in between to an already existing communal space and to a 

school , both outside and just next to the BT section 

c) this pathway should have several communal spaces 

d) there should be other entrances besides the pathway entrances, which should lead to these communal 

spaces 

Motivation: 

Analysis 1 (Spatial Syntex I- Relations in in between courtyards and shacks in a convex map): 

Integration 

The aim of this project is to develop a new well integrated urban layout with specific characterisitics 

throughout only the process of using a proper isovist analysis. The purpose of this is to analyze 

how designing with intelligibility correlates integration and connectivity. In order to test and prove this 

statement, an analysis of the integration and connectivity before and after the design process was 

made, Analysis all the 1 analysis (Spatial being Syntex made I- Relations with a radius in in between of ‘n’. courtyards Analysis and 2 shacks (Spatial in Syntex a convex II- Pathways map): through 

in in between courtyards Integration and shacks in a convex map): 

Connectivity 

Analysis Integration 2 (Spatial Syntex II- Pathways through the shacks 

between courtyards and shacks in a convex map): 

Connectivity in an axial map): 

Integration 

Integration 

Analysis 2 (Spatial Syntex II- Pathways through the shacks in an axial map): 

Connectivity 

Choice Digital Urban Simulation | BT Section Khaye 

s through the Integration 

shacks 

Connectivity 

in an axial map): 

Connectivity 

Choice Connectivity Connectivity 

Integration 

ugh the shacks 

Digital 

in an 

Urban 

axial 

Simulation 

map): 

| BT Section Khayeliths- Urban Connectivity 

relations 

Digital Urban Simulation | BT Section Khayeliths- Urban relations 

Choice Choice Connectivity 

Choice Choice 


Analysis 3 (Spatial Syntex III- Urban design through isovist analysis): 

: ugh isovist analysis): 

Analysis 3 (Spatial Syntex Analysis III- 3 Urban (Spatial design Syntex through III- Urban isovist design analysis): through isovist analysis): 

ugh ): isovist analysis): 

Digital Urban Simulation Digital Urban | BT Section Simulation Khayelitsha- | BT Section Urban Khayelitsha- design relations Urban design relations 

tsha- relations Urban design relations 

Digital Urban Simulation Digital | Urban BT Section Simulation Khayelitsha- | BT Section Urban design Khayelitsha- relations Urban design relations 


55

Analysis 3 (Spatial Syntex IV- Isovist anaylisis y proposed plan): 

Analysis 3 (Spatial Syntex IV- Isovist anaylisis y proposed plan): 


Analysis (Spatial Syntex I- Relations in in between courtyards and shacks in convex map): 


Digital Urban Simulation | BT Section Khayelitsha- Urban relations 

hacks in a convex map): 

Integration 

Integration 

Integration 

Connectivity 

Connectivity 

Connectivity 


Analysis (Spatial Syntex II- Pathways through the shacks in an axial map): 

ty 

Choice 

Choice 

ap): 

56 

Integration 

Integration 

Digital Urban Simulation | Final project Connectivity 

Connectivity documentation 

Chair of 

Information 

iA Architecture




ity 

Choice 

map): 

Integration 

Integration 

Integration 

Connectivity 

Connectivity 

Connectivity 



Choice 

Choice 

s 

Conclusions 

Supporting the initial statement, design only with an isovist analysis; lead to have a better integration 

and connectivity in the design. The new urban layout lead every courtyard to have the same connectivity 

and choice, and lead every shack in the center to be as integrated as any other. 

The shacks in the perimeter would remain less integrated as they are facing streets. An analysis of 

choice was also made but was not relevant for the design intentions, therefore having just the intelligibility 

process needed for creating proper and equal communal spaces. This analysis also enables, 

after being made, the possibility of finding with shacks are which courtyard re better located, in case 

a more develop design should be made, in terms of the location of a workshop or a main communal 

space. This meaning that these analysis could be taken to it’s last extents, being a never ending cycle 

which could stop when finding the desired design. 


57

Commerce and industry of Zurich – 

An analysis of its transport connection and 

centrality 

Student: Irene Urso

Summary: 

Our design studio analysed three major roads leaving the city: Badenerstrasse from Altstetten 

(sector 9), Schaffhauserstrassen in Opfikon (sector 11) and Überlandstrasse from Schwamendingen 

(sector 12). All these streets once were country roads connecting all the small villages, now they are 

major arterial roads leaving the city and important roads in the agglomeration of Zurich. Old 

industrial buildings characterize the areas around these former country roads - some are still used 

and some are just fallow. The deficit of those areas is the fact, that these segments weren’t planed, 

so they seem to be some land resource, which are highly underused. Since the producing industry 

and commerce needs a lot of space for its factories and big industry halls, they get more and more 

chased away out of the city and need the near land next to the city - such as the three areas 

analysed in the design studio. The analysis are based on these three areas and reflect the street 

organisations, centrality of these areas and should show the potential of those and the differences 

between similar organisations in the city itself. 

Motivation: 

With the Depthmapx analysis I tried to recognise if there are visible differences between the three 

areas of the design studio and other situations within the city, if there are differences between 

central urban spots and suburban agglomeration towns. The analysis should show what the 

differences between urban street space within the city of Zurich and the (sub-)urban street space of 

the next agglomeration such as Schlieren are. To do so I compared the situation of the three roads 

of the design studio with three other areas of commerce and industry within the city - which still 

exist but are almost extinct. 

The result of the analysis could be used to develop a strategy to plan the site. After analysing the 

bigger scale and finding out which are the spots with the highest potential and quality for 

commerce/industry, I want to use the analysis tool to develop a new urban structure that combines 

producing industry, with customer-oriented industry and even living spaces. The tool should help 

organise the new structure offering for each usage the best and most appropriate space and 

situation. 

Zurich city and its organisation: 

The city of Zurich is divided in twelve sectors 

/ districts. Our design studio analysed three 

major arterial roads leaving the city: Badenerstrasse 

from Altstetten (sector 9), Schaffhauserstrassen 

in Opfikon (sector 11) and Überlandstrasse 

from Schwamendingen (sector 

12). To analyse these streets I compared them 

to another three areas within the city: Zurich 

West (sector 5), Zurich Binz (sector 2), Zurich 

centre (sector 1). For all these 6 areas I run the 

segment analysis for Integration and Choice. 

The city of Zurich is divided in twelve sectors / districts. Our design studio analysed three major 

arterial roads leaving the city: Badenerstrasse from Altstetten (sector 9), Schaffhauserstrassen in 

Opfikon (sector 11) and Überlandstrasse from Schwamendingen (sector 12). To analyse these 

streets I compared them to another three areas within the city: Zurich West (sector 5), Zurich Binz 

(sector 

60 

2), Zurich centre (sector 1). For all these 6 areas I run the segment analysis for Integration 

and Choice. 


Chair of 

Information 

iA Architecture

Segment Depthmapx analysis, – Integration: 

Depthmapx – Integration: 

Example 1 – Zurich Centre 

Segment Segment analysis, analysis, 

Depthmapx – Integration: 

Depthmapx Example 

(sector 1): 

– Integration: 1 – Zurich Centre 

Example 1 – Zurich Centre 

(sector 

(sector 1): In this example 

1): 

you can see that two 

Example roads 1 – have Zurich the Centre highest value in 

In this (sector In 

example Integration. 1): this example you can see that two 

you can see that two 

roads 

roads have The the road have 

highest on the the 

value left inis highest Bahnhofstrasse value and in 

this Integration. 

example you can see that two 

Integration. the the right is Rämistrasse. 

roads The have road the on highest the left is value Bahnhofstrasse in and 

The road on the left is Bahnhofstrasse and 

Integration. the on the right is Rämistrasse. 

the The on road the right on the is left Rämistrasse. 

is Bahnhofstrasse and 

the on the right is Rämistrasse. 

Bahnhofstrasse: 

Bahnhofstrasse: Bahnhofstrasse: 

is a very central street and 

Bahnhofstrasse: 

probably the most popular and expensive 

Bahnhofstrasse Bahnhofstrasse 

Bahnhofstrasse road in is 

is the a very 

a very City. central is 

central A a lot very street 

street of central stores, andstreet and jewellery and 

probably 

probably 

the probably shops the 

most 

most and popular the 

popular banks most and 

and are popular expensive 

expensive situated and along expensive this 

road road in the in the road street. City. City. in A Another lot A lot of City. of stores, special stores, A lot jewellery jewellery of fact stores, of this jewellery road is 

shops shops and and shops that banks banks it’s and are pedestrian are situated banks are along only. situated this 

Cars along can only this 

street. street. Another street. cross special the Another road fact special in of the this major fact road of is intersections. 

this road is 

that that it’s it’s pedestrian that Due to it’s it only. almost pedestrian only. Cars straight 

Cars can only. can only direction 

only Cars can from only the 

cross cross the the road cross road in the road in the main in station the major to the intersections. lake major it became intersections. a very 

Due Due to to it almost it Due almost to it almost straight direction the from the 

main station 

populated straight 

main 

to 

station 

the lake 

and direction 

to 

it 

well 

the 

became 

known from 

lake it 

very 

boulevard. the 

main station to the lake it became a very became a very 

populated and well known boulevard. 

populated populated and well known and well boulevard. known boulevard. 

Rämistrasse 

Rämistrasse 

Rämistrasse 

Rämistrasse is a road that runs from the 

Rämistrasse is a road that runs from the 

university of Zurich and its university 

Rämistrasse university Rämistrasse of a Zurich road that is and a runs road its from university that the 

hospital hospital down to the down lake. to It the runs from the 

is also lake. a very It is also a very 

university of university Zurich and of its Zurich university and its university 

famous and famous very and populated very populated road. A lot of road. A lot of 

hospital down hospital to the down lake. to It the is also lake. a very It is also a very 

traffic runs traffic down runs this down road, this cars, road, trams cars, trams 

famous and 

and people famous very populated 

and travel people and every travel very day populated road. A lot 

every this road day up road. of 

this road A lot up of 

traffic and runs down. traffic down 

and down. runs this road, down cars, this trams road, cars, trams 

and people and travel people every travel day this every road day upthis road up 

and down. and down. 

Digital Urban Simulation | Analysis of commerce and industry, its transport connection and centrality 




61

Segment analysis, 

Depthmapx – Integration : 


Example Depthmapx 2 –– Zurich Integration – Binz : : 

(sector 2): 

Example 2 – 2 Zurich – Zurich Binz Binz 

(sector (sector 2): 2): 



Example 2 – Zurich Binz (sector 2): 

Zurich Binz is a neighbourhood in sector 2 

Zurich Binz is a neighbourhood in sector 2 

and is characterised by old structures used 

and is characterised by old structures used 

for Zurich beverage Zurich Binz Binz is companies a is neighbourhood a and other in sector industry 

for beverage companies and other industry 

sector 2 2 

companies. and and is characterised There by have old by structures been old structures a lot used used of 

companies. 

changes for beverage for beverage in 

There 

the companies last 

have 

companies years, 

been 

and trying 

a lot 

and other to 

of 

other industry develop industry 

changes 

these companies. old 

in the 

structures. 

last years, 

There There have Some 

trying 

have been have 

to 

been a been 

develop 

lot a lot of reused 

old 

of 

these 

changes changes for structures. 

in new the in enterprises, Some have 

last the last years, years, trying producers been reused 

trying to develop to develop and 

for craftsmen these new 

these old enterprises, 

old structures. but structures. also producers for Some the Some have service and 

have been sector. been reuseused 

area for but lies new for also near new enterprises, for the the highway service producers producers and sector. can and be and 

re- 

craftsmen The 

The reached craftsmen area craftsmen lies in but near a few but also the also minutes for highway the for the service from and service the can sector. main sector. be 

reached station. The The area in area lies a few near lies minutes near the highway the from highway the and main and can can be be 

station. reached reached in a in few a few minutes minutes from from the the main main 

station. station. 

Supertanker: Structures like this have 

been re-organised and are home to small 

Supertanker: 

enterprises Supertanker: like Shikar Structures Structures Group like or like VB this lighting, this have have 

Structures 

some been been re-organised rooms 

like are 

this 

used 

have and as and been are showroom are home re-organised home to and small to small in 

and some enterprises are enterprises office home like spaces to Shikar like small Shikar are Group enterprises several Group or VB or architects. like lighting, VB Shikar lighting, 

Group Even some some or though rooms VB rooms lighting, are it seems used are used some as not showroom as rooms to showroom be very are and used near and in in 

as to some showroom the some office centre office spaces and of spaces the in some are city, are several office this several area architects. spaces architects. is very are 

several good 

Even Even though 

connected architects. though seems 

to it Even seems the 

not though highway not to be to it and 

very seems be very to 

near 

the not near to 

be main 

to very the to station near the centre centre to of 

of the Zurich. 

the of centre the city, 

Due city, of this 

to the this area 

the city, area situation 

is this very 

area very 

is good good connected to the to highway the highway and and to the 

it very has good perfect connected condition to the for highway delivery and to the to 

the 

main main station station of Zurich. of Due to the to situation 

supply. main station In the of last Zurich. year it Due has to developed the situation 

it has it has perfect perfect condition condition for for delivery delivery and 

it 

and 

from has perfect a space condition to a creative for delivery and and popular supply. 

supply. supply. In the In the last last year year it has it has developed developed 

In work the last space year for it has different developed people from and a work space 

from from a space a space to a to creative a creative and and popular popular 

to sectors. a creative and popular work space for different 

sectors. people 

work work space space for different for different people people and and work work 

sectors. 

and work sectors. 

New living-neighbourhood: But like in 

the New rest 

New of the city the need and But demand 

But like like in of 

New living-neighbourhood: 

in 

cheaper the rest the rest of living the of city the 

spaces 

city the need the 

makes 

need and it demand really 

demand 

hard 

But like in the rest of the city the need of of 

to cheaper enforce cheaper living such living spaces spaces makes for makes it the really it industry, 

demand of cheaper living spaces makes really hard it hard really 

hard to enforce such spaces for the industry, indus- 

particularly to enforce to enforce such for such the spaces manufacturing spaces for the for the industry, trade. 

Where particularly particularly once for were for the industrial the manufacturing halls now trade. are trade. 

try, 

new 

particularly 

Where Where houses. once once were The 

for the 

were City 

manufacturing 

industrial industrial of Zurich halls halls built 

trade. 

now these now are are 

Where with new new the once 

houses. intent were 

houses. The to provide industrial 

The City City of Zurich cheaper halls now 

of Zurich built housing. are new 

built these these 

houses. 

with with the 

The 

intent 

City 

the intent to 

of 

provide 

Zurich 

to provide cheaper 

built these 

cheaper housing. 

with the 

housing. 

intent to provide cheaper housing. 

Image: Old industry halls 

Image: Image: Old industry Old industry halls halls 


Digital Digital Urban Urban Simulation Simulation | Analysis | Analysis of commerce of commerce and and industry, industry, its transport its transport connection connection and and centrality centrality 

62 


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Segment Segment Depthmapx analysis, analysis, – Integration : 

Depthmapx Depthmapx Example – Integration – Integration : 3 – Zurich : West 

Example 3 –(sector Zurich West 

Example 3 – 5) Zurich West 

(sector 5) 

Example 3 – Zurich West 

The horizontal (sector red 5) and orange lines are roads 

that come (sector from 

The 

the 5) horizontal 

highways 

red 

and 

and 

continue 

orange lines a 

as main The roads horizontal roads towards that red the come and centre orange from of the the lines city. highways are a 

The horizontal red and orange lines are 

The one roads in the continue that diagonal come as from direction main the highways is roads the Hardbrücke, 

a bridge that connects Zurich West 

diagon 

and towards t 

roads continue that centre as come of main the from roads city. the The highways towards one in and the 

continue centre direction of the as city. main 

is The the 

roads one Hardbrücke, in towards the diagonal the 

with the 

centre 

Highway 

of the 

in 

city. 

all 

The 

directions. a bridge th 

direction is the Hardbrücke, one in the a bridge diagonal that 

connects Zurich West with the Highway 

direction connects is Zurich the Hardbrücke, West with the a bridge Highway that in 

connects all Zurich directions. 

all directions. West with the Highway in 

all directions. 

Pfingsweidstrasse: Pfingsweidstrasse: This street This leads street us leads 

Pfingsweidstrasse: from the from Highway the Highway directly This into street directly Zurich leads into West us Zurich We 

from and the this and Highway old this industry directly old industry into neighbourhood. 

Zurich West neighbourhoo 

and These this 

These old old industrial old 

industry 

industrial infrastructures neighbourhood. 

infrastructures are a 

These old industrial infrastructures are 

Pfingsweidstrasse: 

partly partly still usage still in but usage mostly but have mostly been have be 

partly changed still into usage some but event mostly halls, have provisional been 

This street 

changed 

leads changed into 

us 

some 

from into event 

the some Highway 

halls, event provisional 

directly halls, provision 

usages or they just lie fallow and wait to 

into Zurich usages West usages or they and or just this they lie old fallow industry just and lie fallow neighbourhood. 

be demolished These be demolished old for industrial new infrastructures. 

for infrastructures 

new infrastructures. 

wait to and wait 

be demolished for new infrastructures. 

are partly Hardturmstrasse: still in usage but Like mostly Pfingweidstrasse 

have been 

changed Hardturmstrasse: this into road Hardturmstrasse: some leads event from Like halls, the Pfingweidstrasse 

Highway provisional Like Pfingweidstras 

directly 

usages this past or road they Zurich this leads just road West lie from fallow leads and the towards and from Highway wait the to directly heart Highway be of direc 

demolished past the City, Zurich West and towards the heart of 

past for the new Zurich main infrastructures. station West of and Zurich. towards Hardturmstrasse: 

the heart 

the 

Like 

City, the main station of Zurich. 

the Pfingweidstrasse City, the main this station road of leads Zurich. 

from the Development: 

Development: 

Highway directly In some 

In some 

past parts 

parts 

Zurich of this 

of this 

West area 

investors have developed these area old 

and towards investors Development: the have heart of developed the City, In some the these main parts old of this ar 

structures by tearing them down and 

station structures of Zurich. 

building investors new by metropolitan tearing have them infrastructure developed down and as these o 

building 

for example structures new metropolitan 

the Prime by Tower tearing infrastructure 

and them his area 

as down a 

for 

around. 

example building The 

the 

industry 

Prime new metropolitan Tower 

has not 

and 

only 

his infrastructure 

area 

been 

around. 

mostly 

The industry has not only been 

for sent example away, the the Prime prices Tower have and his ar 

Development: mostly 

increased 

sent away, the prices have 

around. so drastically The industry that every has small not only be 

In some increased 

enterprise parts of so this drastically that every small 

enterprise mostly struggles area investors 

struggles sent to away, stay have 

stay the and 

and all prices all ha 

developed structures these old of the structures former by industry tearing are 

structures increased of the so former drastically industry that are every sm 

them down fighting and with building the pressure new metropolitan 

of the investors. 

fighting enterprise with the pressure struggles of the investors. 

stay and 

infrastructure as for example the Prime Tower 

structures of the former industry a 

and his area around. The industry has not 

only been mostly 

fighting 

sent 

with 

away, 

the 

the 

pressure 

prices 

of 

have 

the investors 

increased so drastically that every small enterprise 

struggles to stay and all structures of the 

former industry are fighting with the pressure 

of the investors. 

Image: Prime Tower, Gigon & Guyer 

Image: Prime Tower, Gigon & Guyer 


Digital Urban Simulation Analysis of commerce and industry, its transport connection and centrality 

Image: Prime Tower, Gigon & Gu 



63

Segment analysis, Depthmapx – 

Segment analysis, Depthmapx – 

Integration: Integration: Example 4 – Altstetten-Schlieren 

(sector Example 9) 

4 – Altstetten-Schlieren 

Segment (sector 9) analysis, 9) Depthmapx – 

Badenerstrasse: The street pointed out by the 

Integration: 

yellow Badenerstrasse: arrow is Badenerstrasse, The The street which pointed runs out out by by the the 

Example from yellow the city arrow 

4 through is is 

– Badenerstrasse, 

Altstetten-Schlieren 

the whole Limmattal which runs and 

from 

(sector the city 9) through the whole Limmattal and 

connects the city all the through small cities the and whole villages Limmattal up to and 

Baden. connects This all road all the the is very small heterogenic, cities and and villages it has up up to to 

Badenerstrasse: a high Baden. traffic This This volume, road The is is on very street the heterogenic, right pointed side out (picture) 

traffic are arrow mostly volume, is Badenerstrasse, living on on homes the the right and which side some runs (picture) small from are are 

it it by has has the 

a high 

yellow 

the stores, mostly 

city and living 

through on the homes left the and side and 

whole there some 

Limmattal are small mostly 

stores, 

and 

and 

connects 

industry on the the buildings left all 

left the 

side 

small there and leftovers 

cities are are mostly 

and 

of 

villages the industry former 

up buildings 

to 

Baden. and This road of is the very heterogenic, it has a high 

Wagon-factory. 

and leftovers of the former Wagon-factory. 

traffic volume, on the right side (picture) are 

mostly living homes and some small stores, and 

on the left side there are mostly industry buildings 

and leftovers of the former Wagon-factory. 

Bernerstrasse: 

The upper road (white arrow) 

The instead upper is is road the the (white Bernerstrasse. arrow) instead It’s It’s a is parallel the 

street 

Bernerstrasse. 

but but with mostly It’s a parallel pass by 

street by traffic but with 

and heavy 

Bernerstrasse: mostly transport. pass by This traffic The road upper and 

is is heavy road characterised transport. (white arrow) 

by by the the 

instead This Gaswerk, road is the is characterised where Bernerstrasse. 

the the old old by halls It’s the a and Gaswerk, parallel 

for for example street 

the the 

but where 

old old with water the mostly old tower halls pass are 

and are and for by example 

of of traffic course and the 

the the old heavy 

Gaswerk 

transport. itself. This is is also an an industry area where big 

water tower This are road and of is course characterised the Gaswerk by the big 

Gaswerk, logistic where centres the and old companies halls and for are are example itself. This is also an industry area where situated. big the 

old The water difference tower are between and of course this area the and Gaswerk the the logistic centres and companies are situated. area 

itself. around This is the the also Badenerstrasse an industry area is, where is, that big 

The difference between this area and the area the 

logistic Badenerstrasse centres and companies lies lies between are situated. the centres of 

around the Badenerstrasse is, that the Badenerstrasse 

lies between the centres of Altstetten 

of 

The Altstetten difference and between Schlieren this area and the the and Bernerstrasse 

the area 

around lacks any the kind Badenerstrasse of of centre but is, is is that instead the 

very 

Badenerstrasse 

and Schlieren and isolated, even lies 

the 

though between 

Bernerstrasse well connected. the centres 

lacks any 

of 

Altstetten kind of centre and but Schlieren is instead and very the isolated, Bernerstrasse even 

though well connected. 

lacks any kind of centre but is instead very 

isolated, even though well connected. 

Digital Urban Simulation | | Analysis of of commerce and industry, its its transport connection and centrality 


64 


Chair of 

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iA Architecture

Segment analysis, analysis, Depthmapx Depthmapx – Integration: – Integration: 

Example 5 & 56 – 

Segment analysis, & Opfikon 6 – Opfikon (sector 11) 

Depthmapx (sector and Schwamendingen 

– 11) Integration: and Schwamendingen (sector 12) 

(sector 12) 

Überlandstrasse: This road is also an old land road that originally connected the small villages in the 

Example 5 & 6 – Opfikon (sector 11) and Schwamendingen (sector 12) 

Überlandstrasse: neighbourhood. During This the road last is 50 also years an old Schwamendingen land road that originally has grown connected and developed the small to villages a garden in the 

neighbourhood. city 

During the last 50 years Schwamendingen has grown and developed to a garden city 

Überlandstrasse: the Überlandstrasse This road cuts is through also 

and 

an and old isolates land road 

the the strip 

that strip on 

originally on the the northern connected 

side side of 

the 

the of small the road. road. villages 

Due Due to 

in to this 

the 

big this 

neighbourhood. 

border big border the strip the 

During 

strip has not 

the 

has been 

last 

not 

50 

been developed 

years 

developed 

Schwamendingen 

and has and a has lot of a 

has 

lot potential of 

grown 

potential for 

and 

the for 

developed 

producing the producing 

to 

companies 

a garden 

companies 

and 

city 

industry. 

and the 

and 

Überlandstrasse 

industry. 

cuts through and isolates the strip on the northern side of the road. Due to this 

big border the strip has not been developed and has a lot of potential for the producing companies and 

industry. 

Schaffhauserstrasse: Schaffhauserstrasse is a parallel street to the Thurgauerstrasse, which is known 

for Schaffhauserstrasse: the Glattpark, a Schaffhauserstrasse new neighbourhood is that a parallel has street been to developed the Thurgauerstrasse, in the last which 10 years. is known The 

Schaffhauserstrasse for Schaffhauserstrasse: the Glattpark, a new is very neighbourhood Schaffhauserstrasse heterogenic, that being is has a parallel characterised been developed street to by the in bigger the Thurgauerstrasse, last Infrastructures 10 years. The which of research is known 

institutions, Schaffhauserstrasse 

for the Glattpark, old small a 

is 

new 

very living heterogenic, 

neighbourhood houses, and being 

that old characterised 

has industry been buildings. by 

developed 

bigger The Infrastructures 

in difference the last 

of 

10 between research 

years. the The 

Schaffhauserstrasse institutions, 

Schaffhauserstrasse 

old small and is 

living 

very the houses, Überlandstrasse heterogenic, old 

being 

industry is that characterised in buildings. Opfikon the The 

by road difference 

bigger is situated Infrastructures 

between in the the centre of research and in 

Schwamendigen institutions, old on small the edge. living houses, and old industry buildings. The difference between the 

Schaffhauserstrasse and the Überlandstrasse is that in Opfikon the road is situated in the centre and 

Schaffhauserstrasse and the Überlandstrasse is that in Opfikon the road is situated in the centre and in 

in Schwamendigen on the edge. 

Schwamendigen on the edge. 




65

Segment analysis, Depthmapx – Choice: Zurich street net: 

As the Choice analysis shows all these three areas lie not only near important streets, but actually 

around these roads. They are situated between the city and the highway connections. After the City 

has developed to a very dense populated area, these three agglomerations-cities have the best potential 

for the industry that needs space for their infrastructures so urgently. Even though the city has 

a denser grid and therefore the streets have a higher connectivity respectively to the outlying spots 

Isovist 

of the agglomeration, 

analysis, 

zooming 

Depthmapx 

out you can 

– Choice: 

see that the 

(Altstetten) 

centre of the city 

Schlieren: 

has not the highest choice 

value but the roads on the edge or as the tree example even out of the city instead. 

So confronting those kind of enterprises that need the contact with the customer and those which 

need space for their production you can find for each the better location. 

As the Choice analysis shows all these three areas lie not only near important streets, but actually 

around these roads. They are situated between the city and the highway connections. After the 

City has developed to a very dense populated area, these three agglomerations-cities have the 

best potential for the industry that needs space for their infrastructures so urgently. Even though 

the city has a denser grid and therefore the streets have a higher connectivity respectively to the 

outlying spots of the agglomeration, zooming out you can see that the centre of the city has not 

the highest choice value but the roads on the edge or as the tree example even out of the city 

instead. 

So confronting those kind of enterprises that need the contact with the customer and those which 

need space for their production you can find for each the better location. 


66 


Chair of 

Information 

iA Architecture

Due to the choice analysis of the street net, the area of Schlieren should be subdivided in zones 

for the producing industry sector and the customer oriented industry sector: 

Due to 

Areas 

the choice 

that lie 

analysis 

around 

of 

the 

the 

important 

street net, 

road, 

the 

here 

area 

Bernerstrasse: 

of Schlieren should 

Location 

be 

has 

subdivided 

the best 

in zones 

for the producing 

potential for 

industry 

big company 

sector 

from 

and the 

the 

customer 

producing 

oriented 

industry 

industry 

sector 

sector: 

Areas 

Area that 

that 

lie 

lie 

on 

around 

secondary 

the important 

roads, here 

road, 

Badenerstrasse: 

here Bernerstrasse: 

Location 

Location 

has the 

has 

best 

the best 

potential 

potential 

for 

for 

big 

smaller 

company 

company 

from 

from 

the producing 

the customer 

industry 

oriented 

sector 

industry sector 

Conclusions Digital Urban Area Simulation that of the lie Integration | secondary Analysis and of roads, commerce Choice here Analysis: and Badenerstrasse: industry, its transport Location connection has and the centrality best 

potential for smaller company from the customer oriented industry sector 

In every of the six situations the Integration analysis shows that despite which kind of commerce and 


industry it is, their location is always surrounded by well connected street system or as in the three 

neighbourhoods of the design studio they even developed to be along these roads. Despite the 

development of the industry in the last decades, the big industry infrastructures were once built were 

the bigger infrastructure was, they were built near the highway entry or exit, along the riverside, or 

where the train station were. But cities like Zurich have spread in Switzerland, growing and absorbing 

all these smaller cities and towns. What once was the border of the agglomeration and where the 

industry was located are now big centres with living structures, working places, and research conglomerations. 

And the pressure of housing demand and the high prices of land and rental fees make 

it impossible for the industry companies to survive in the city. But because it’s important to have them 

and because they can contribute to a qualitative and heterogenic environment the city has to ensure 

that the last spots that still exist will be preserved and that this companies find space in the vicinity of 

the city, that is the agglomeration towns like the three examples – Altstetten/Schlieren, Opfikon and 

Schwamendingen. The Integration analysis showed, that where the infrastructure is and where it lies 

central, there you can always find uses that need exactly these properties. So for example, you can 

find the expensive and exclusive shops at Badenerstrasse, you have the University Campus with its 

hospital at Rämistrasse, Zurich West has developed due to its very good location and mostly important 

due to its good connection, to a new centre with skyscrapers and expensive flats. But infrastructure 

is also attractive or substantial for the industry and big companies. The difference between these 

two situations is though that stores and shops need to be near the customers and big industry companies 

need to be easily attainable. The Choice analysis shows exactly this difference. So the advantage 

of these three areas (Altstetten-Schlieren, Opfikon, Schwamendingen) is that their central roads 

not only have a high choice value, but also that they run through this neighbourhoods, providing a 

perfect location for the companies and simplifying their supply. 


67

Segment analysis, Depthmapx – Integration: (Altstetten) Schlieren: 

Segment analysis, analysis, Depthmapx Depthmapx – Integration: –(Altstetten) Integration: Schlieren: (Altstetten) Schlieren: 

The spot in the circle should be improved by planning new roads: first a deliver-road in the back, 

The where spot the in railways the circle are should and secondly be improved vertical by roads planning between new each roads: complot. first a deliver-road in the back, 

where the railways are and secondly vertical roads between each complot. 

The spot in the circle should be improved by planning new roads: first a deliver-road in the back, 

where the railways are and secondly vertical roads between each complot. 

The Integration analysis doesn’t show any difference for the Badenerstrasse unfortunately. But it 

changes The Integration the value analysis for the doesn’t Bernerstrasse show any to difference a even higher for the one. Badenerstrasse unfortunately. But it 

The changes Integration the value analysis for the doesn’t Bernerstrasse show to any a even difference higher for one. the Badenerstrasse unfortunately. But it 

changes the value for the Bernerstrasse to a even higher one. 



68 


Chair of 

Information 

iA Architecture

Isovist analysis, Depthmapx – Connectivity: (Altstetten) Schlieren: 

Isovist analysis, Depthmapx – Connectivity: (Altstetten) Schlieren: 

The Isovist analysis shows that in this spot the Badenerstrasse has a better connectivity than in 

other The Isovist parts analysis of the street. shows This that fact in this should spot the be Badenerstrasse used to implement has new a better structure connectivity that should than in serve other to 

The 

integrate parts Isovist of the customer street. analysis This orientet 

shows fact should industry 

that in be this 

and used spot 

commerce to implement the Badenerstrasse 

in combination new structure has 

with that a 

residential 

better should connectivity serve use. to integrate than in 

other The customer Isovist parts orientet of analysis the industry street. of before This and fact commerce and should after in this be combination used intervention to implement with shows residential new that structure it use. doesn’t The that Isovist change should analysis much serve of the to 

integrate situation before and in customer after the spot, this orientet intervention but it changes industry shows and the that commerce situation doesn’t in in change the combination lower much part, the with where situation residential the in value the use. spot, rises but relatively it 

The due changes to Isovist the the intervention. analysis situation of the before lower and part, after where this the intervention value rises shows relatively that due it to doesn’t the intervention. change much the 

situation in the spot, but it changes the situation in the lower part, where the value rises relatively 

due to the intervention. 




69

Applying the Solar Envelope Concept to the 

Reorganization and Massing of the Hunziker 

Areal with Grasshopper-Geco and Ecotect 

Student: Marc Lallemand

Summary: 

The Solar Envelope concept provides geometrical guidance for the organization and massing of 

developments areas such as the Hunziker Areal in Zürich. The solar envelope bounds the massing of 

buildings and can be used to help justify angular designs which celebrate solar angles. This concept 

can be neatly examined using the tools presented in the Digital Urban Simulation course. 

When this method was applied to the reorganization and massing of the Hunziker Areal a reduction in 

the shaded footprint of 26% was achieved when measured at 9.00 and 15.00 at the winter solstice 

as compared to the as-planned Areal. 

In order to demonstrate that the solar envelope concept can be applied without a complete redesign 

of the Areal, the individual footprints of the as-planned buildings where held constant but simply reorganized 

relative to one another, and then extruded to acceptable heights and cut according to the 

solar envelope. In doing so, massing of 6% less constructable volume of the Areal was obtained. Optimally, 

when applying such a concept from scratch the footprint of each building would be designed 

to fit the environment and in doing so would be less limited in the total constructable volume. 

The Grasshopper-Geco plugin worked well for this type of organization and massing exercise. Additional 

design support was accessed directly in Ecotect however the software was not able to produce 

heavy visualizations as desired. 

Specifically, part of the motivation for this work was not achieved due to limitations in the Ecotect 

software. This was to produce a visualization of the cumulative sun (LUX) incident the façades of 

Final examination 

the proposed building volumes. In order to attempt this a tool was developed in grasshopper to produce 

and control the meshed surfaces of the mass model. It was not possible however for Ecotect to 

compute a visualization based on a mesh with adequate granularity. 

Motivation: Instead a visualization of the Areal ground plate using an Ecotect grid was computed. From the results 

one is able to visually compare the shading in the as-planned to the reorganized Areal design. 

Exact numbers regarding the shaded area were calculated using Grasshopper-Geco. 

Reorganization and Massing of the 

Ecotect 

an 

to 

- 

Image Source: http://www.resilience.org/stories/2012-03-26/solar-envelope-how-heat-and-cool-cities-without-fossil-fuels 

i- 

ed 

is 

Motivation: 

I am interested in in the the organization, organization, analysis analysis and and optimization optimization of entities of entities within within the boundaries the boundaries of a given of a 

environment. 

given environment. 

This was 

This 

the 

was 

basis 

the 

for 

basis 

choosing 

for choosing 

to analyse 

to 

the 

analyse 

development 

the development 

of the 13 buildings 

of the 

of 

13 

the 

buildings 

Hunziker 

of 

Areal 

the Hunziker 

in Zürich, 

Areal 

by applying 

in Zürich, 

parametric 

by applying 

tools. 

parametric tools. I also wish to explore architectural design 

strategies which are based on simple and understandable geometries. This was the choice for the 

I also wish to explore architectural design strategies which are based on simple and understandable geometries. 

This was the choice for the analysis of the Solar Envelope concept developed by Ralph Knowles at the 

analysis of the Solar Envelope concept developed by Ralph Knowles at the University of Southern 

California. The forms generated by the solar envelope are angular in nature, celebrating the solar angles, 

University of Southern California. The forms generated by the solar envelope are angular in nature, celebrating 

the 

though 

solar angles, 

in opposition 

though in 

to 

opposition 

the standard 

to the 

urban 

standard 

grid, 

urban 

which 

grid, 

makes 

which 

it architecturally 

makes it architecturally 

interesting 

interesting 

for examination. 

for examination. 

Furthermore 

Furthermore 

the solar 

the solar 

envelope 

envelope 

has 

has 

the 

the 

potential 

potential 

to 

to 

achieve 

achieve 

simplicity 

simplicity 

by 

by 

passively 

passively 

making buildings buildings more more efficient efficient in in their their environment environment and and thereby thereby reducing reducing the need the need for additional for additional active active 

building systems. systems. 

building 

Finally, I was motivated to find a simple parametric methodology in order to visualize the incident sun 

Finally, on the I façades was motivated of the to proposed find a simple building parametric so that methodology one could easily in order determine to visualize the the expected incident sun at on each the 

façades window of position. the proposed building so that one could easily determine the expected sun at each window position. 

72 


Chair of 

Information 

iA Architecture

Hunziker Areal Relative Location 

Restaurant 

min. 30.00 

Trottoir 2m 

Actu 

Area 

Areal Situation 

Hunziker Areal Relative Location 


Area 

Knoten "Ost" 

Baulinie 

Actual Site Plan 


10 PP Besucher 

Parzelle 

Sout 

Cordelia-Guggenheim-Weg 

Wenn Parkplätze od. TG: 

Zufahrtsstrasse / Tro toir ca.7.5m 

Rampe 5.0m 

(zu Parking ca. 100 PP) 

Hagenholzstrasse 

Heidi-Abel-Weg 

Hagenholzstrasse 

Knoten "West" 

Relative Location and Situation Source: www.google.ch/maps 


Einfahrt Zufahrtsweg 5m 

(Privat) 

3.50 5.00 3.50 

7 Geschosse / 22.1m 

Digital Urban Simulation | Solar Envelope Concept Hunziker Areal - Marc Lallemand 

Relative Location and Situation Source: www.google.ch/maps 

D 

Laden / DL 


3.50 4.00 3.50 

Restaurant 


C 

Laden / DL 

5 PP Güterumschlag 

Zufahrtsweg 4m 

(Privat) 

Laden / DL 

Wegabstand 3.5m 



(Privat) 


E 

Anlieferung mit 

Wende- oder 

Durchfahrtsmöglichkeit 

3 PP Güterumschlag 

Laden / DL 

G 

F 




3.50 4.00 3.50 

2 PP IV 

H 

Rampe 5.0m 

(zu Parking ca. 190 PP) 

J 


9 PP Mobility 

"Bügel" 


Knoten "Mitte" 

(Haupterschliessung) 

ev. LSA gesteuert 

Strassenabstand 6m 

Zufahrtsstrasse mit Mittelspurstreifen 

/ Velo 5.5m 

(Privat) 

6.00 2.00 5.50 6.00 



(Privat) 

3.50 4.00 3.50 


Strassenabstand 6m 

K 



Laden / DL 

L 



Rad- und Gehweg 3.5m 


2 PP IV 

M 


N 


Saatlenfussweg 

Sout 

A 


2 PP IV 

2 PP IV 

B 


I 


projekt 1 

baugenossenschaft mehr als wohnen 


Areal Volumed 

Andreasstrasse 

Situationsplan Mst. 1:1000 

Strassen- und Wegprofile 

Planstand 10.12.2009 / kma 


Architektengemeinschaft DUPLEX architekten und ::FUTURAFROSCH:: 

Wengistr. 31, 8004 Zürich, T 043 541 60 20, E mail@duplex-architekten.ch 

73

Areal 

Areal 

Volumed 

Volumed 



Situationsplan Mst. 1:1000 

Situationsplan Strassen- und Wegprofile Mst. 1:1000 

Strassen- und Wegprofile 







South 

South Areal Volumed 

Elevation 

Elevation 


Shadow Ranges According to City Grid 

Shadow Ranges According to City Grid 

City Grid Source: http://www.resilience.org/stories/2012-03-26/solar-envelope-how-heat-and-cool-cities-without-fossil-fuels 

Winter Solstice Shadow Projections on Building I 

Optimal Orientation of Buildings for 

74 

Digital Urban Simulation | Final project Reduced documentation Shadow Area 

Chair of 

Information 

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Winter Solstice Shadow Projections on Building I 

Optimal Orientation of Buildings for 

Reduced Shadow Area 

As-planned Grid and Building Characteristic Angles 

As-planned Winter Solstice Grid and Shadow Building Projections Characteristic on Angles Building I 

Optimal Orientation of Buildings for Reduced Shadow Area 

City Grid Source: http://www.resilience.org/stories/2012-03-26/solar-envelope-how-heat-and-cool-cities-without-fossil-fuels 


Reorganization As-planned of Grid Buildings and Building by aligning Characteristic to Optimal Orientation Angles 

Reorganization of Buildings by aligning to Optimal Orientation 

Reorganization of Buildings by aligning to Optimal Orientation 


75

View 

View 

Volume Extrusion of Reorganized Buildings with Maximum Height of 22.1m 

Fina 

Volume Extrusion of Reorganized Buildings with Maximum Height of 22.1m 

Solar Altitude Angle forms the Cutting Operator - Exact vector calculated in Grasshopper 

View 


View 




76 


Chair of 

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Viewed from Winter Solstice Sun Position at 9.00 


Final Volumes of the Reorganized Hunziker Areal according to the Solar Envelope Concept 






Winter Solstice Shadow Range Analysis 9.00 to 15.00 as Reorganized 


Winter Solstice Shadow Range Analysis 9.00 to 15.00 as Reorganized 

Winter Solstice Insolation Analysis as-planned 


77

lanned nalysis as-planned 

ge Analysis 9.00 to 15.00 as Reorganized 

Winter Solstice Winter Shadow Solstice Snapshot Shadow - Areal Snapshot as Reorganized 

- Areal as Reorg 

Winter Solstice Insolation Analysis as Reorganized 

Winter Solstice Shadow Snapshot - Areal as-planned 

er Solstice Shadow Snapshot - Areal as Reorganized 

ter Solstice Shadow Snapshot - Areal as-planned 

nalysis as Winter Reorganized Solstice Insolation Analysis as-planned 

alysis as-planned 

eorganized 

Winter Solstice Shadow Winter Snapshot Solstice - Areal as Insolation Reorganized Analysis as Reorganized 

Digital Urban Simulation | Solar Difference Envelope in Difference Shadow Concept Area Hunziker 

in Shadow Snapshot Areal - Marc Lalleman 

Area Snapshot 

alysis as Reorganized 

Winter Solstice Shadow Snapshot - Areal as-planned 

ter Solstice Shadow Snapshot - Areal as Reorganized 

rence in Shadow Snapshot 

Difference in Shadow Area Snapshot 

Winter Solstice Shadow Snapshot - Areal as Reorganized 

Difference in Shadow Area Snapshot 

156.204 / 211.260 156.204 = / 74 211.260 % ; Reduction = 74 % ; in Reduction shaded area in s 

n Envelope | Solar Concept Envelope Hunziker Concept Areal Hunziker - Marc Areal Lallemand - Marc Lallemand 

156.204 / 211.260 = 74 % ; Reduction in shaded area by 26% 

| Solar Envelope Concept Hunziker Areal - Marc Lallemand 

fference in Shadow Area Snapshot 

erence 156.204 

in Constructable / / 211.260 = = 74 % 74 Volume 

; Reduction % ; Reduction in shaded area in by shaded 26% area by 26% 

Difference in Constructable Volume 

156.204 / 211.260 = 74 % ; Reduction in shaded area by 26% 

itations: 

242.462 / 258.882 = 94 % ; Loss of constructable volume of 6% 

242.462 / 258.882 = 94 % ; Loss of constructable volume of 6% 

Limitations: 

Limitations were encountered when trying to produce a visualization of the cumulative sun (LUX) incident on the façades of the proposed 

building volumes. In order to attempt this a tool in Grasshopper was developed to produce and control the meshed surfaces 

of the mass model. Once imported into Ecotect it was not possible to compute the Insolation for such a detailed mesh. Less detailed 

meshes were also attempted, as well as individual façades of the model at a time though it was not possible to generate sensical and 

itations communicative were encountered visualizations. when trying to produce a visualization of the cumulative sun (LUX) incident on 

façades of the proposed building volumes. In order to attempt this a tool in Grasshopper was developed 

produce and control the meshed surfaces of the mass model. Once imported into Ecotect it was not possito 

compute the Insolation for such a detailed mesh. Less detailed meshes were also attempted, as well as 

Chair of 

Information 

78 


iA Architecture 

ividual façades of the model at a time though it was not possible to generate sensical and communicative

on 

d 

ssias 

ve 

- The 

- Thi 

- The 

- The 

- In t 

buil 

- Eco 

Furt 

Thro 

bee 

each 

Meshed Model Based on Grasshopper Tool 

Ecotect Non-logical Results 

It wo 

the 

prin 

Fina 

on t 

wind 


Conclusions: 

Ecotect Non-logical Results 

- The Geco plugin for Grasshopper brings the power of Ecotect into Rhino for modelling and massing 

- This toolset allows one to neatly analyse the solar envelope concept 

- The solar envelope is a valid design methodology to reduce shaded area of a development 

- The solar envelope concept generates angular aesthetics, celebrating solar angles 

- In the Hunziker Areal example, loss in constructable volume could be avoided by modifying the individual 

building footprints to fit the environment 

- Ecotect provides targeted design insight, though struggles with producing heavy visualizations 

Conclusions: 

- The Geco plugin for Grasshopper brings the power of Ecotect into Rhino for modelling and massing 

- This toolset allows one to neatly analyse the solar envelope concept 

- The solar envelope is a valid design methodology to reduce shaded area of a development 

- The solar envelope concept generates angular aesthetics, celebrating solar angles 

- In the Hunziker Areal example, loss in constructable volume could be avoided by modifying the individual 

building footprints to fit the environment 

- Ecotect provides targeted design insight, though struggles with producing heavy visualizations 

Further Explorations of the Hunziker Areal: 

Through the motivations and the development of the assignment certain ideas for further exploration have been developed. For one, as 

Further Explorations of the Hunziker Areal: 

a design strategy it would be interesting to define the bounding envelope of each building according to the solar angles however modulated 

by the proximity to neighbouring buildings. It would also be interesting to redesign the footprint of each building in order to fully 

implement a version of the Spanish grid system which is fitting the environment of the Areal, rather than holding the building footprints 

Through the motivations and the development of the assignment certain ideas for further exploration have 

been developed. For one, as a design strategy it would be interesting to define the bounding envelope of 

each building according to the solar angles however modulated by the proximity to neighbouring buildings. 

constant as was done in the example. 

Finally, it would also be worthwhile to find a methodology to successfully visualize the cumulative sun (LUX) on the surfaces of the building 

volume. This would allow one without much effort to say how much sun each window position on the facade would receive. 

It would also be interesting to redesign the footprint of each building in order to fully implement a version of 

the Spanish grid system which Digital is fitting Urban the environment Simulation of | the Final Areal, project rather documentation 

than holding the building footprints 

constant as was done in the 

79 

example.

BT Section 

Student: Thijs van der Lely

1 / x 

out 

e 

trol 

over the Cape Flats. These Townships are know to be extremly dangerous and have been known to be ur 

one of the most voilent places in the world as one of its murder capitals. 

se 

The lack of structure in the urban plan is one of ther reasons why there is little to do for police and control ur 

from Summary: the community them selves. 

he 

The BT section in Khayalitsha, South Africa is a part of the big network of Townships that have 

The spread shacks out have over been the scatterd Cape Flats. of plot These areas Townships through squatting are know on to be a location extremly and dangerous building up and there have houses. been Fo 

Through known this to proces be one the of the urban most plan voilent has become places in a the network world of as small one of streets its murder that can capitals. not be controlled and th 

a vast The number lack of of structure alleys and in the corners urban where plan is people one of can ther hide. reasons why there is little to do for police and ur 

control from the community them selves. 

do 

The The task shacks of the design have been studio scatterd was to of rethink plot areas the way through the houses squatting have on been a location built and find building out if up there there is a 

way houses. to, through Through design this solve proces aspects the urban of security plan has of the become inhabitants, a network create of small clear structure streets that in the can urban not be plan To 

and controlled think about and social a vast control. number of alleys and corners where people can hide. 

pl 

The task of the design studio was to rethink the way the houses have been built and find out if there 

is a way to, through design solve aspects of security of the inhabitants, create clear structure in the Al 

Motivation: 

urban plan and think about social control. 

be 

To understand the problems that are related to the security situation and the lack of structure in the current 

urban plan the use of digital analysis tools can have a big impact. Durring this reaseach project I want to 

see if it is possible to use these tools as a means of understanding and pinpointing the problems in the 

urban plan and its lack of hierachie in the streets and it beinig a clear plan as well as see if the tools can 

help me as a tool that can be used to test idears and see if they are a starting point for finding a solution. 

w 

an 

Bu 

w 

uses. 

and 

a 

plan 

For me a important part of using these tools to understand the situation and helping to find a solution is 

that it will not drive to a conclusion but mearly recommend paths that can be taken to create a more clear 

urban plan. As the BT section will always be heavily influenced by inhabitants that do not rely on a topdown 

approach it is import to understand bottom up logic to genarate a more clear urban situation. 

To do so I will genarete a design strategy built up out of local rules of interaction between agents in the 

plan to genarate a global smarter system that may impact to more structure and a clearer urban plan. 

Also it is important too use the human reaction to a plan and use a commen sence approach that can not 

be linked to a algorithm. At the start of the project the community will always contriubute to the project and 

will start with a negotion of space. The point where a negotiation can start is what I aim to achieve through 

an algorithm. From this point the human interaction to the plan will start and will influence the final layout. 

But due to the starting point already beining related to rules that genarate a basic clear plan the outcome 

will always be more clear then if this was not the case. 


BT Section; “unsafe” due to chaotic urban plan 

and no social control of undefined space. 

BT Section; Additions of courtyards to create 

sociale control on space. 

82 


Chair of 

Information 

iA Architecture

Motivation: 

To understand the problems that are related to the security situation and the lack of structure in the 

current urban plan the use of digital analysis tools can have a big impact. Durring this reaseach project 

I want to see if it is possible to use these tools as a means of understanding and pinpointing the 

problems in the urban plan and its lack of hierachie in the streets and it beinig a clear plan as well 

as see if the tools can help me as a tool that can be used to test idears and see if they are a starting 

point for finding a solution. 

For me a important part of using these tools to understand the situation and helping to find a solution 

is that it will not drive to a conclusion but mearly recommend paths that can be taken to create 

a more clear urban plan. As the BT section will always be heavily influenced by inhabitants that do 

not rely on a topdown approach it is import to understand bottom up logic to genarate a more clear 

urban situation. To do so I will genarete a design strategy built up out of local rules of interaction between 

agents in the plan to genarate a global smarter system that may impact to more structure and 

a clearer urban plan. Also it is important too use the human reaction to a plan and use a commen 

sence approach that can not be linked to a algorithm. At the start of the project the community will always 

contriubute to the project and will start with a negotion of space. The point where a negotiation 

can start is what I aim to achieve through an algorithm. From this point the human interaction to the 

plan will start and will influence the final layout. But due to the starting point already beining related to 

rules that genarate a basic clear plan the outcome will always be more clear then if this was not the 

case. 

Analysis Current Situation: 

BT Section; Design Strategy; Urban Simulation Analysis in combination with Evolutionary 

Genetic Algorithm 

Depthmap; Special Isovist Occlusivity Analysis; 

Current Situation Digital BT Section. Urban Simulation | Final project documentation 

83

Depthmap; Special Isovist Occlusivity Analysis; 

Current Situation BT Section. 

m-Up Rules; Backbone: 

ection; Through Backbone the building proces can start without already taking down shacks. 

the backbone is introduced the shacks use it as construction and firebreak. 

Special Perseption 

Understandable 

Confusing 

tom-Up Rules; Backbone: 

Section; Through Backbone the building proces can start without already taking down shacks. 

r the backbone is introduced the shacks use it as construction and firebreak. 


ection; Through Backbone the building proces can start without already taking down shacks. 

r the backbone is introduced the shacks use it as construction and firebreak. 

Shift will clear up land to be used for gardening. 

Section; Through Backbone the building proces can start without already taking down shacks. 

er the backbone is introduced the shacks use it as construction and firebreak. 

is Shift will clear up land to be used for gardening. 

84 


Chair of 

Information 

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Gr 

By 

bo 

ha 

Bottom-Up Rules; Main street: 

Through intergration of a hierachy of roads the plan will have a clear seperation 

between public and more private spaces. 

Gr 

The hierachy is made through a main plaza in the center of the new BT section 

leading up to the schoolyard on the oppisite side of the road. 



85

Grasshopper; Self Organizing Through Backbone. 

sshopper; Decoding Spaces; Isovist Occlusivisity 

sing the Decoding Spaces grasshopper tool i was able to spot where would be the best choice to start the implimentation of the backe. 

Because of the occoltivity map works by showing which area´s have most range of view it can be understood as that these areas can 

the longest streets behind it. So by starting here the backbone can grow the furthest without the need to deconstruct shacks. 

Grasshopper; Backbone starting point. 

Grasshopper; Decoding Spaces; Isovist Occlusivisity 

By using the Decoding Spaces grasshopper tool i was able to spot where would be the best choice to start the implimentation of 

bone. Because of the occoltivity map works by showing which area´s have most range of view it can be understood as that these 

have the longest streets behind it. So by starting here the backbone can grow the furthest without the need to deconstruct shack 

Grasshopper; Evolutionary solver set up. 

Special Persepti 

Good visib 

Bad visibili 

1 

86 



Chair of 

Information 

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sshopper; Backbone starting point. 

Grasshopper; Evolutionary solver at work. 

sshopper; Evolutionary solver set up. 



ital Urban Simulation | Name of the project 



87 

1 /

Conclusion 

Grasshopper; Outset of solver and in combination with human logic minipulation. 

After the use of the solver the effect of a more clear street is already quite visible. Because of this 

starting point it is now very easy for the BT community to understand why it is important to abied by 

the rules set an can see what impact it has visually. 

Now any further negotiation will have a result that has a core design strategy imbedded in its 

genes. It will not stray very far from the preposed result because the clearity of its effects are very 

visiable. 

The effect created was very much related to to rules set and the idear that a main square would 

have a big effect on clearity in the plan. I dont believe that the use of systems like these can ever 

be self reliant and will always need human imput to create the most logical system. I found it intresting 

nethertheless to see if a program could help. 

The idear was succesfull for me, because the effects of genaral idears could be contifide. Also 

using the program can help to design larger areas on a fast pace. On the scale of the BT section it 

seems a bit redundend because one can come to the same conclusions by hand drawing. 

Conclusion 

r; Grasshopper; Outset of solver Outset and in of combination solver and in with combination human logic with minipulation. 

human logic minipulation. 

of After the the solver use the of effect the solver of a the more effect clear of street a more is already clear street quite is visible. already Because quite visible. of this Because of this 

t it starting is now point very easy it is now for the very BT easy community for the BT to understand community to why understand it is important why it to is abied important by to abied by 

an the can rules see set what an impact can see it what has visually. impact it has visually. 

her Now negotiation any further will negotiation have a result will that have has a result a core that design has a strategy core design imbedded strategy in its imbedded in its 

not genes. stray It very will not far from stray the very preposed far from result the preposed because result the clearity because of the its effects clearity are of very its effects are very 

visiable. 

eated The was effect very created much was related very to much to rules related set to and to the rules idear set that and a the main idear square that a would main square would 

ffect have on a clearity big effect in the on plan. clearity I dont in the believe plan. that I dont the believe use of that systems the use like of these systems can like ever these can ever 

t and be self will reliant always and need will human always imput need to human create imput the most to create logical the system. most logical I found system. it intrestlesing 

nethertheless to see if a program to see could if a program help. could help. 

I found it intrest- 

s The succesfull idear was for me, succesfull because for the me, effects because of genaral the effects idears of genaral could be idears contifide. could Also be contifide. Also 

gram using can the help program to design can help larger to areas design on larger a fast areas pace. on On a the fast scale pace. of On the the BT scale section of the it BT section it 

redundend seems a bit because redundend one can because come one to the can same come conclusions to the same by conclusions hand drawing. by hand drawing. 

Special Perseption 

Understandable 

Confusing 

ban Digital Simulation Urban Simulation | Name of | the Name project of the project 

1 / x 

88 


Chair of 

Information 

iA Architecture

1 

Design Citeria; Urban Gardening 

From this starting point I looked at the effect of the new urban pland its relation to urban farming. 

As at the other side of the road, shown in green, a urban farm is beeing developed I did not feel it 

was nessecary to us the plot we were investigating as a urban farming site. What I did find intresting 

was to see if after all of the calculations and negotiations pottential area was still availble for the use 

of urban farming. 


89

New City District - Zürich Nord 

Student: Zlatina Paneva

Summary of the project: 

The theme of the project is called ‘’Schaffhauserstrasse’’. This is the main and historic road, which 

connects Zürich with Kloten. However, the growth of the city of Zürich nowadays is integrating the 

street more and more into the urban context and this poses one fundamental question – how to 

translate the form of the country road into a form of a main urban street? 

istrict New City New City - District Zürich City District - Nord Zürich - Zürich - Zürich Nord Nord 

Nord 

ion Final examination 

Final examination 

Additionally, this context is defined by two main particularities of high importance – the railway runs 

Zlatina Name: parallel Name: Paneva Zlatina to Zlatina 

Schaffhauserstrasse Paneva 

Paneva 

and in this way it divides the context and isolates the road, and secondly, 

Date: 2014 01/ there 12/ 01/ 2014 

12/ is a new 2014city artery built parallel to Schaffhauserstrasse on the other side of the railway. 

1/ Date: 12/ 

This is Thurgauerstrasse and it shifts the focus out of Schaffhauserstrasse. 

y Summary of the Summary 

project: of the of project: 

the project: 

Motivation for the analysis: Motivation Mo for 

The theme The theme of project of the project is called 

is called 

Additionally, Additionally, this context this context is defined 

is defined 

e theme of the project 

The 

is called 

theme of the project is called 

‘’Schaffhauserstrasse’’. This Additionally, is the this context is 

Additionally, 

defined 

this context is defined 

by two main particularities of The high motiv 

‘’Schaffhauserstrasse’’. This is the 

by two main particularities of high 

chaffhauserstrasse’’. This 

‘’Schaffhauserstrasse’’. 

is the 

This is the 

main and historic road, which by connects 

Zürich with Kloten. Howev- 

importance – the railway runs 

two main particularities 

by 

of 

two 

high 

main particularities of high 

importance – the railway runs the parallel 

to Schaffhauserstrasse project. and in It 

urban 

main and historic road, which connects 

Zürich with Kloten. Howevallel 

to Schaffhauserstrasse and in 

importance – the railway runs par- 

in and historic road, which 

main 

concts 

Zürich with Kloten. 

and historic road, which con- 

importance 

parallel 

Zürich to Schaffhauserstrasse 

– the railway runs parnects 

Howevthe 

growth of the city of 

Zürich with Kloten. However, 

the growth of the city of 

allel 

and 

to 

in 

Schaffhauserstrasse and in 

this way it divides the context system and a 

er, growth of the city of Zürich 

this way it divides the context and 

er, 

Zürich 

the growth of the city of Zürich 

nowadays nowadays is integrating is integrating the street 

the this street way it divides the context 

this way 

and 

it divides the context and 

isolates the road, and secondly, 

is there a new is a city new artery city built 

artery infrastruc 

built 

the area 

isolates the road, and secondly, 

there wadays is integrating the 

nowadays 

street 

is integrating the street 

more and more more and into more the into urban 

the isolates urban the road, and 

isolates 

secondly, 

funda- 

there is a new city artery 

the road, and secondly, 

there 

re and more into the 

more 

urban 

and more into the urban 

context context and this and poses this one poses funda- 

one built 

is a new city artery built 

parallel parallel to Schaffhauserstrasse to Schaffhauserstrasse space. 

on 

on Th 

ntext and this poses one 

context 

fundantal 

question – how to 

and this poses one fundamentamentamental 

question question – how to – how translate 

to translate parallel to Schaffhauserstrasse 

parallel 

on 

to Schaffhauserstrasse on 

the other the side other of side the railway. of the railway. ysis, 

This is 

This is nam 

translate 

question – how to translate 

the other side of railway. This is 

the form the of form the of country the country road into 

road the into other side of the railway. This is 

Thurgauerstrasse Thurgauerstrasse and it shifts and it the 

shifts tect the seem 

form of the country road 

the form 

into 

of the country road into 

Thurgauerstrasse and it shifts the 

a form a of form a main of a urban main urban street? 

street? Thurgauerstrasse and it shifts the 

focus out focus of out Schaffhauserstrasse. 

of Schaffhauserstrasse. the conce 

form of a main urban 

a 

street? 

form of a main urban street? 

focus out of Schaffhauserstrasse. 

focus out of Schaffhauserstrasse. 

they are to 

1920 

1920 

1920 

syntax a 

rban Digital Digital Simulation Urban Urban Simulation | Simulation New City | New District | New City - City District Zürich District Nord - Zürich - Zürich Nord 

Nord 

| New City District - Zürich Nord 

92 


Chair of 

Information 

iA Architecture

Motivation for the analisys: 

The motivation for this analysis is the urban-planning nature of the project. It envisions a new street 

system and tends to transform the area through modifying the infrastructure and the open public 

space. The tools given for this analysis, namely Depth Map and Ecotect seem very appropriate to 

test the concept of the project because they are tools measuring the space syntax and urban microclimate. 

points on Schaffhauserstrasse and activate them as part of the new network system. In this 

analysis as focus point is shown Stierli Areal (see summary), because as an old industrial building 

it has potential to become a centre for creative industry. This requires integration in the public space, 

which means good connectivity, and visibility. The approach includes three main steps: 1.Design a 

new train station in the middle of the defined plot and prove this spot as the most central in any of 

terms of the space syntax; 2. Lay a grid of new streets that connect the two isolated from each other 

Motivation Motivation main streets for the for analysis: and the prove analysis: the new system as affirming the concept of creating a new centre in the middle; 

3. Focus on particular existing 

ned 

igh 

pard 

in 

and 

ndbuilt 

on 

is is 

the 

sse. 

The motivation The motivation for this for analysis this analysis The is approach The approach includes includes three points three points on Schaffhauserstrasse 

on the urban-planning the urban-planning nature nature of the of the main steps: main 1.Design steps: 1.Design a new train a new and train activate and activate them as them part as of part of 

project. project. It envisions It envisions a new a street new street station station in the middle in the middle of the of de-thfined plot fined and plot prove and this prove spot this as spot analysis as analysis as focus as point focus is point shown is shown 

the de- 

new the network new network system. system. In this In this 

system system and tends and tends to transform to transform 

the area the through area through modifying modifying the 

the most the central most central in any of in terms any of of terms Stierli of Areal Stierli (see Areal summary), (see summary), because 

of as cause an old as an industrial old industrial build- 

build- 

be- 

infrastructure infrastructure and the and open the public open public the space the syntax; space syntax; 2. Lay a 2. grid Lay of a grid 

space. space. The tools The given tools for given this analysis, 

namely ysis, namely Depth Map Depth and Map Eco- 

and Eco- 

isolated isolated from each from other each main other a main centre a centre for creative for creative industry. industry. 

for this anal- 

new streets new streets that connect that connect the two the ing two it has ing it potential has potential to become to become 

tect seem tect very seem appropriate very appropriate to test to test streets streets and prove and the prove new the system new system This requires This requires integration integration the in the 

the concept the concept of the project of the project because because as affirming as affirming the concept the concept of creating 

a new ing a centre new centre in the middle; in the middle; good connectivity, good connectivity, and visibility. and visibility. 

of creat- 

public public space, space, which which means means 

they are they tools are measuring tools measuring the space the space 

syntax syntax and urban and urban microclimate. microclimate. 3. Focus 3. Focus on particular on particular existing existing 


1 / 61 / 6 

93

system. Th 

Schaffhau 

than Thurg 

in the prox 

Analysis 1 (Depth Map- Axial Analysis- Integration): 

1.1 

Integration is a key word for the project. This is why the 

analysis begins exactly with it. Fundamental for the new 

city district is to be integrated into the city of Zürich. The 

graphs analyze the integration of the streets in radius 

of 1km from the center of the plot, which is also the 

planned train station (for reference see the summary of 

the project). 

The first graph (1.1) analyzes the existing situation. It 

shows that the further from the center Oerlikon in Schaffhauserstrasse 

goes, the less integrated it becomes. 

Its gradual disintegration expresses its status quo of a 

street on the boundary between urban and out of the 

city. Further on this graph could be read that Thurgauerstrasse 

has the same aspect of gradual disintegration. 

Another important interpretation would be that there is 

low integration of the network between the two named 

streets and thus, they are also not integrated into one 

system. They function rather autonomously where 

Schaffhauserstrasse is slightly more integrated to the city 

than Thurgauerstrasse, because it has more ramifications 

in the proximity of Oerlikon. 

The secon 

changes th 

critical ans 

street grid 

erstrasse i 

grated cro 

is the posi 

are no mo 

into one e 

integrated 

to the hist 

the two ar 

and they a 

city centra 

Analysis 2 (Depth Map- Ax 

1.1 

The second graph (1.2) analyzes the situation after the 

changes that the project proposes. These changes are a 

critical answer to the analyzed existing context. The new 

1.2 

street grid integrates Schaffhauserstrasse and Thurgauerstrasse 

into one system and makes one mostly integrated 

crossroad exactly in the middle. Nevertheless, this 

is the position of the new train station. The two streets 

are no more autonomously functioning, but integrated 

into one entity. Schaffhauserstrasse remains slightly more 

integrated than Thurgauerstrasse, which is also coherent 

to the history. Through this intervention the integration of 

the two arteries is no more vanishing in the non-urban, 

and they are rather transformed into one integrated to the 

city centrality. 

Digital Urban Simulation | New City District - Zürich Nord 

Integration is a key word for the project. This is why the analysis begins exactly with it. Fundamental 

for the new city district is to be integrated into the city of Zürich. The graphs analyze the integration of 

the streets in radius of 1km from the center of the plot, which is also the planned train station (for reference 

see the summary of the project). The first graph (1.1) analyzes the existing situation. It shows 

that the further from the center Oerlikon in Schaffhauserstrasse goes, the less integrated it becomes. 

Its gradual disintegration expresses its status quo of a street on the boundary between urban and out 

of the city. Further on this graph could be read that Thurgauerstrasse has the same aspect of gradual 

disintegration. Another important interpretation would be that there is low integration of the network 

between the two named streets and thus, they are also not integrated into one system. They function 

rather autonomously where Schaffhauserstrasse is slightly more integrated to the city than Thurgauerstrasse, 

because it has more ramifications in the proximity of Oerlikon. 

The second graph (1.2) analyzes the situation after the changes that the project proposes. These 

Highest values 

changes are a critical answer to the analyzed existing context. The new street grid integrates Schaffhauserstrasse 

and Thurgauerstrasse into one system and makes one mostly integrated crossroad 

2.2 

1.2 

Lowest values 

exactly in the middle. Nevertheless, this is the position of the new train station. The two streets are no 

more Digital autonomously Urban Simulation functioning, | New City but District integrated - Zürich into Nord one entity. Schaffhauserstrasse remains slightly 

more integrated than Thurgauerstrasse, which is also coherent to the history. Through this intervention 

the integration of the two arteries is no more vanishing in the non-urban, and they are rather 

transformed into one integrated to the city centrality. 

2.1 

94 


Chair of 

Information 

iA Architecture

hy the 

e new 

ch. The 

dius 

he 

ary of 

. It 

Schaffes. 

of a 

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rgaugration. 

ere is 

amed 

one 

e 

the city 

ifications 

system. They function rather autonomously where 

Schaffhauserstrasse is slightly more integrated to the city 

than Thurgauerstrasse, because it has more ramifications 

in the proximity of Oerlikon. 

The second graph (1.2) analyzes the situation after the 

changes that the project proposes. These changes are a 

critical answer to the analyzed existing context. The new 

street grid integrates Schaffhauserstrasse and Thurgauerstrasse 

into one system and makes one mostly integrated 

crossroad exactly in the middle. Nevertheless, this 

is the position of the new train station. The two streets 

are no more autonomously functioning, but integrated 

into one entity. Schaffhauserstrasse remains slightly more 

integrated than Thurgauerstrasse, which is also coherent 

to the history. Through this intervention the integration of 

the two arteries is no more vanishing in the non-urban, 

and they are rather transformed into one integrated to the 

city centrality. 

Analysis 2 (Depth Map- Axial Analysis- Connectivity): 

2.1 

Connectivity is another important term for the project. 

‘’Urban’’ is in a way a synonym of ‘’connected’’ and in 

this sense it is fundamental to establish the connectivity 

values of the existing situation in order to be able to set 

a new and appropriate level of connectivity values for the 

new city district. 

Identically to Analysis 1, the first graph (2.1) analyzes the 

existing situation. In contrast to the integration values, 

the connectivity keeps quite a constant value, however 

the increase of the distance from the center Oerlikon. 

This could be explained with the fact, that after leaving 

the centrality of Oerlikon, the streets are quite homogeneously 

loaded within their suburban context. There is 

even slightly increased connectivity in the middle of the 

analyzed part of the streets. It shows that in this part our 

two main arteries are better connected to the context 

behind them and they have a higher depth there. This is 

a sign for a little centrality at that point. Interestingly, in 

reality these two points are two centers of the two neighborhoods 

in that part of the street. 

a sign for 

reality the 

borhoods 

The secon 

changes t 

intended t 

crease its 

to be read 

network in 

hauserstra 

are some 

buildings 

is drastica 

become a 

main stree 

at the mai 

train statio 

with the h 

er the 

es are a 

he new 

urgauinteess, 

this 

treets 

rated 

tly more 

oherent 

ation of 

rban, 

ed to the 

t values 

t values 

2.1 

w City District - Zürich Nord 


Lowest values 

The second graph (2.2) regards the situation after the 

changes that the project proposes. Here the changes are 

intended to reaffirm the existing connectivity and to increase 

its values. This is why the new grid is thought and 

2.2 

to be read as extension and rationalization of the existing 

network in the area of the perimeter between Schaffhauserstrasse 

and Thurgauerstrasse. Sometimes there 

are some shifts of the extensions, because the existing 

buildings do not allow linearity. However, the connectivity 

is drastically increased. Not only the middle piece has 

become a well-connected city district, but also our two 

main streets have punctually increased their connectivity 

at the main crossroads. Again, the position of the new 

train station proves to be appropriate, as it lay on a spot 

with the highest value of connectivity. 

Connectivity is another important term for the project. ‘’Urban’’ is in a way a synonym of ‘’connected’’ 

and in this sense it is fundamental to establish the connectivity values of the existing situation in order 

to be able to set a new and appropriate level of connectivity values for the new city district. Identically 

to Analysis 1, the first graph (2.1) analyzes the existing situation. In contrast to the integration values, 

the connectivity keeps quite a constant value, however the increase of the distance from the center 

Oerlikon. This could be explained with the fact, that after leaving the centrality of Oerlikon, the streets 

are quite homogeneously loaded within their suburban context. There is even slightly increased 

connectivity in the middle of the analyzed part of the streets. It shows that in this part our two main 

arteries are better connected to the context behind them and they have a higher depth there. This is 

a sign for a little centrality at that point. Interestingly, in reality these two points are two centers of the 

two neighborhoods in that part of the street. 

The second graph (2.2) regards the situation after the changes that the project proposes. Here the 


changes are intended to reaffirm the existing connectivity and to increase its values. This is why the 

2.2 

Lowest values 

new grid is thought and to be read as extension and rationalization of the existing network in the area 

of the perimeter between Schaffhauserstrasse and Thurgauerstrasse. Sometimes there are some 

shifts of the extensions, because the existing buildings do not allow linearity. However, 2 / 6 the connectivity 

is drastically increased. Not only the middle piece has become a well-connected city district, but 

also our two main streets have punctually increased their connectivity at the main crossroads. Again, 

the position of the new train station proves to be appropriate, as it lay on a spot with the highest 

value of connectivity. 


95

quite often 

Analysis 3 (Depth Map- Axial Analysis- Choice): 

3.1 

Choice is a term, which did not have influence on the design 

process of the street network, but is defining for the 

functions within the buildings and their size. This analysis 

shows the most preferred arteries and helps define the 

spots that are the most appropriate for frequently visited 

public spaces and public functions. 

Here the first graph (3.1) analyzes the existing situation 

as well. It shows that the most ‘’chosen’’ artery is 

Schaffhauserstrasse in its proximity to Oerlikon and its 

south connection to Thurgauerstrasse. This reflects the 

reality, in this part there are many public functions on the 

ground floor and the street is quite busy with pedestrians 

and cars. The second most ‘’chosen’’ street is the other 

connection between Schaffhauserstrasse and Thurgauerstrasse, 

which is also logical, as it is the only way to 

go across in the north part. In reality there are not many 

public buildings to be found there, but this connection is 

quite often used for the transport. 

The secon 

changes th 

ly thought 

dle and ce 

and Thurg 

Luckily (be 

Schaffhau 

thus there 

The projec 

envisions a 

next to the 

raise the e 

nection (se 

intentions 

the shift of 

it’s vanishi 

new city d 

3.1 

The second graph (3.2) regards the situation after the 

changes that the project proposes. These are consciously 

thought to provoke the highest choice in the new middle 

and central connection between Schaffhauserstrasse 

and Thurgauerstrasse, where also the train station is. 

Luckily (because we want to stay coherent to the history) 

3.2 

Schaffhauserstrasse has kept its high choice values and 

thus there is created one very intensively used crossroad. 

The project does take this potential into account and 

envisions a public park as connection with a square right 

next to the crossroad. Additionally, it is also envisioned to 

raise the existing buildings with two floors along the connection 

(see plan and picture left). This graph proves the 

intentions of the design to be appropriate. It also reaffirms 

the shift of the center from the proximity of Oerlikon and 

it’s vanishing with the increase of the radius to the hearth 



Choice is a term, which did not have influence on the design process of the street network, but is 

defining for the functions within the buildings and their size. This analysis shows the most preferred 

arteries and helps define the spots that are the most appropriate for frequently visited public spaces 

and public functions. 

Here the first graph (3.1) analyzes the existing situation as well. It shows that the most ‘’chosen’’ artery 

is Schaffhauserstrasse in its proximity to Oerlikon and its south connection to Thurgauerstrasse. 

This reflects the reality, in this part there are many public functions on the ground floor and the street 

is quite busy with pedestrians and cars. The second most ‘’chosen’’ street is Highest the other values connection 

between 3.2 Schaffhauserstrasse and Thurgauerstrasse, which is also logical, as Lowest it is values the only way to 

go across in the north part. In reality there are not many public buildings to be found there, but this 

connection is quite often used for the transport. 

The Digital second Urban graph Simulation (3.2) regards | New City the District situation - Zürich after the Nordchanges that the project proposes. These are 

consciously thought to provoke the highest choice in the new middle and central connection between 

Schaffhauserstrasse and Thurgauerstrasse, where also the train station is. Luckily (because we want 

to stay coherent to the history) Schaffhauserstrasse has kept its high choice values and thus there is 

created one very intensively used crossroad. The project does take this potential into account and 

envisions a public park as connection with a square right next to the crossroad. Additionally, it is also 

envisioned to raise the existing buildings with two floors along the connection (see plan and picture 

left). This graph proves the intentions of the design to be appropriate. It also reaffirms the shift of the 

center from the proximity of Oerlikon and it’s vanishing with the increase of the radius to the hearth 


96 


Chair of 

Information 

iA Architecture

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3 / 6 

Digital Urban Simulation | Final project documentation 3 / 97 6

it (see sec 

Stierli Area 

of it a cent 

the establi 

the railway 

Analysis 4 (Depth Map- Visibility Analysis- Overall Isovist + Axial Analysis- All Axes- Connectivity): 

4.1 

Focus Point ‘’Stierli Areal’’ 

(Circle within the radius of 500m out of it) 

Along with the new network system, the design process 

envisions a ‘’zoom-in’’ on some important existing points 

on the Schaffhauserstrasse. These are singular projects 

within the master plan, which have the function to 

additionally activate the Schaffhauserstrasse, and to take 

advantage of and increase its existing potentials. 

Stierli Areal is defined as one such focus point. It is an old 

industrial building, which nowadays lives from the aura of 

its patina. It is transformed into a place for creative industry, 

but it somehow remains isolated from the urban tissue. 

This is owed to a great degree to the railway, which 

cuts it out from the urban tissue. In this plan the railway is 

drawn as a grey volume (see graphs) because in reality it 

blocks the views and there are rarely connections under 

it (see section and picture left). The design goal is to put 

Stierli Areal in focus within the urban tissue and make out 

of it a central building. The aim is approached through 

the establishment of new connections under and above 

the railway. 

These con 

visibility of 

fluxes arou 

pose there 

(4.1). The 

visible, bu 

analysis im 

studied an 

them, whic 

be more c 

the main a 

visibility is 

This interv 

analysis, b 

visibility of 

The secon 

nectivity o 

the axial c 

results poi 

the visibilit 

the two fa 

terpretatio 

connected 

only to the 

not a plac 

4.1 


These connections are supposed firstly to increase the 

visibility of the project and thus make it destination for the 

4.2 

fluxes around. In order to examine if they fulfill their purpose 

there is an overall isovist analysis shown on graph 

(4.1). The entrance from the new train station is quite 

visible, but the other ones remain quite invisible. This 

analysis implies that the connections should be better 

studied and not being blocked by a building in front of 

them, which is the case on several points. They should 

be more centrally placed and more directly connected to 


(Circle within the radius of 500m out of it) Along with the the main new arteries. network Another strategy system, for the increasing the design the process 

visibility is to place a tower next to the existing building. 

envisions a ‘’zoom-in’’ on some important existing points on the Schaffhauserstrasse. These are singular 

projects within the master plan, which have the analysis, function because to this additionally isovist is supposed to activate analyze the the Schaffhaus- 

This intervention is however not included into the isovist 

visibility of the connections leading to the project. 

erstrasse, and to take advantage of and increase its existing potentials. 

Stierli Areal is defined as one such focus point. It is The an second old industrial graph (4.2) is an building, all axes analysis which of the connectivity 

of the project. It is made order to examine if 

nowadays lives 

from the aura of its patina. It is transformed into a place for creative industry, but it somehow remains 

the axial connections are dependent on the visibility. The 

isolated from the urban tissue. This is owed to a great results degree point that the to connectivity the railway, has higher which values than cuts it out from 

the visibility, which speaks for independence between 

the urban tissue. In this plan the railway is drawn as a grey volume (see graphs) because in reality it 

the two factors (visibility and connectivity). A possible interpretation 

it (see of this comparison section is and that the picture building is well left). The design 

blocks the views and there are rarely connections under 

connected, but as it is badly visible, it remains connected 

goal is to put Stierli Areal in focus within the urban tissue 

only to the 

and 

social 

make 

groups that 

out 

already 

of 

know 

it a 

about 

central 

it. It is 

building. The 

aim is approached through the establishment of new not connections a place, which would under be accidentally and visited. above the railway. 

These connections are supposed firstly to increase the visibility of the project Highest and values thus make it destination 

4.2 for the fluxes around. In order to examine if they fulfill their purpose there Lowest is values an overall isovist 

analysis shown on graph (4.1). The entrance from the new train station is quite visible, but the other 

ones remain quite invisible. This analysis implies that the connections should be better studied and 

not Digital being Urban blocked Simulation by a building | New City in front District of them, - Zürich which Nordis the case on several points. They should be 

more centrally placed and more directly connected to the main arteries. Another strategy for the increasing 

the visibility is to place a tower next to the existing building. This intervention is however not 

included into the isovist analysis, because this isovist is supposed to analyze the visibility of the connections 

leading to the project. 

The second graph (4.2) is an all axes analysis of the connectivity of the project. It is made in order to 

examine if the axial connections are dependent on the visibility. The results point that the connectivity 

has higher values than the visibility, which speaks for independence between the two factors (visibility 

and connectivity). A possible interpretation of this comparison is that the building is well connected, 

but as it is badly visible, it remains connected only to the social groups that already know about it. It is 

not a place, which would be accidentally visited. 

98 


Chair of 

Information 

iA Architecture

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Digital Urban Simulation | Final project documentation 4 / 99 6

Analysis 5 (Ecotect- Shadowrange Analysis): 

Summer Solstice 


Analysis 5 has the aim to analyze if the 

planned tower in immediate proximity to the 

old existing building would have negative 

consequences, as for example throwing a 

constant shadow on it. The analysis is run 

for the period of the summer and the winter 

solstice, because those are the two periods 

when the sun is respectively highest or lowest 

positioned in relation to the earth. As visible on 

the graphs, the shadow during the day of the 

summer solstice is short and remains near the 

tower, whereas during the winter solstice the 

shadow is long and has the biggest area. 

Summer Solstice 

However, in both cases the opportune 

position of the tower, namely in north from 

the existing building, contributes to a very 

favorable situation - the shadow of the tower 

is practically never falling on the existing building. 

This proves that the placing of a building 

with extraordinary height in such proximity is 

possible and not harmful for the microclimate 

of the existing urban context. 

Winter Solstice 



Analysis 5 has the aim to analyze if the planned tower in immediate proximity to the old existing 

building would have negative consequences, as for example throwing a constant shadow on it. The 

analysis is run for the period of the summer and the winter solstice, because those are the two periods 

when the sun is respectively highest or lowest positioned in relation to the earth. As visible on 

the graphs, the shadow during the day of the summer solstice is short and remains near the tower, 

whereas during the winter solstice the shadow is long and has the biggest area. However, in both 

cases the opportune position of the tower, namely in north from the existing building, contributes to a 

very favorable situation - the shadow of the tower is practically never falling on the existing building. 

This proves that the placing of a building with extraordinary height in such proximity is possible and 

not harmful for the microclimate of the existing urban context. 

Conclusions: 

Winter Solstice 

Using analysis software is a good practice for an accurate and precise test of the own design. Simulating 

Digital design Urban decisions Simulation before | New realizing City District them - Zürich is important Nord for the thorough comprehension of the 

complex entity of any situation, for preventing unexpected problems, for being more conscious. 

Additionally, an analysis gives implications for design, that are not always so obvious and thus helps 

finding the best solution. Computer-simulated analysis is absolutely positive. 

100 


Chair of 

Information 

iA Architecture

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5 / 6 

Digital Urban Simulation | Final project documentation 5 101 / 6

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3.1 

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3.2 Chair of 

Information 

iA Architecture

Digital Urban Simulation | HS 2014

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