Civil Engineering and Architecture Vol. 9(7), pp. 2517 - 2527
DOI: 10.13189/cea.2021.090735
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The Assessment of Cities Physical Complexity through Urban Energy Consumption

Mustafa Aziz Amen ^*
College of Arts and Science, Design Department, The American University of Kurdistan, Kurdistan Region, Duhok, Iraq

ABSTRACT

Complex systems analysis is a widely used technique for assessing urban efficiency and sustainability of cities. However, sustainable cities need an effective energy management strategy based on regulations. This research aims to better understand sustainability efficiency of cities by establishing a link between complexity and urban energy consumption. The study demonstrated a technique for estimating physical complexity based on the built environment in an urban region. Accordingly, it applied quantitative measurements of complexity to urban form using empirical methods and information analysis. Consequently, the study evaluated urban complexity and energy consumption in cities using Simpson's variety index and the passive volume ratio. The researcher examined the relationship between complexity and energy use in two districts in Erbil; one is a traditional neighborhood, while the other is part of a modern grid system. The study found that increasing the physical complexity of urban tissue results in reduced urban energy consumption. Thus, there is a chance to comprehend urban energy efficiency with the physical complexity of the city. Consequently, the findings enable decision-makers to evaluate physical complexity using a sophisticated toolset to create more sustainable cities.

KEYWORDS
Urban Complexity, Urban Energy Consumption, Simpson’s Diversity Index, Passive Volume Ratio

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Mustafa Aziz Amen , "The Assessment of Cities Physical Complexity through Urban Energy Consumption," Civil Engineering and Architecture, Vol. 9, No. 7, pp. 2517 - 2527, 2021. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2021.090735.

(b). APA Format:
Mustafa Aziz Amen (2021). The Assessment of Cities Physical Complexity through Urban Energy Consumption. Civil Engineering and Architecture, 9(7), 2517 - 2527. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2021.090735.