Vanishing Skyline
Vanishing Skyline examines the urban impact of air pollution in East Manchester through a generative design framework that reimagines spatial configurations, building geometries, and street networks. Leveraging computational tools, the project aims to reduce pollution exposure and improve urban health, offering a scalable model for breathable and sustainable city design. This thesis takes a proactive approach—redefining the interplay between urban form, air quality, and accessibility to envision a healthier, more resilient future.
The project introduces a generative urban design framework focused on minimizing pollution exposure and enhancing pollutant dispersion. An interactive app was developed to evaluate urban form iterations, guided by key performance metrics such as accessibility, FAR, population density, wind flow, sunlight, outdoor thermal comfort, and green space access. This data-driven method enabled the creation of an optimized urban framework that balances environmental resilience with human well-being.
Accessibility is a primary strategy to reduce pollution exposure. When key amenities and destinations are within walkable distances, people spend less time in transit, leading to lower cumulative exposure to polluted air. Compact and connected layouts along with pathways through buffer zones, also reduces dependence on vehicles, reinforcing the environmental strategy. Lesser Distance = Less Pollution Exposure
Complementing the urban design, new building typologies tailored to specific land uses were designed to align architectural form with environmental performance. The interactive digital app created, enables stakeholders—from architects to policymakers—to explore and compare design iterations based on their goals. By strategically reconfiguring East Manchester’s block size and geometry, filleted Building Corners, building heights, and street networks, this project presents a model for designing future cities that are not only accessible and efficient, but also healthier and more breathable.
