Determination of building variables present in morphologies of the Metropolitan Area of Mendoza for energy efficiency

Abstract

Urban building morphology affects energy consumption and is relevant in arid temperate regions with very high solar resources. The cities in dry areas face several risks that threaten their sustainability, affected by the effects of climate change and urbanization, which lead to some consequences over consumption inequality. The objective of the work is to evaluate, in the Metropolitan Area of Mendoza (MMA), the characteristics of building variables, including height, building separation, the relationship of height/building separation, and building density. The basis of this study is the Geographic Information System (GIS) and the statistical analysis of the results, aimed at implementing a future model to determine strategies to maximize the efficiency and energy generation of the urban building area with maximum use of available resources.The blocks analyzed have medium-low values of building separation and low values of building height, height/ building separation ratio, and building density. The 49.10 % of blocks have an average building separation of 16.61 m; the 73.90 % of blocks have an average height of <3.5 m; the 90.52 % of the blocks have mean values <0.30 of the variable height/building separation ratio of urban blocks and 80.85% of blocks have mean values of building density of <2 m2/m3. Based on the results obtained, it is concluded that the MMA has a diffuse city model adapted to the semi-desert climate. It is believed feasible to revalue, preserve and regenerate the current model of "oasis city" in already consolidated areas and propose a new urban model for the future that considers the different cultural contexts, the urban-building and landscape heritage, the other opportunities, and limitations for progress towards energy-environmental sustainability.