Urban morphology is a complex topic that can be defined in terms of its spatial relations, properties, and measures using several equations. There are types of urban morphology indicators UMIs to explore the spatial heterogeneity, guiding the spatial morphological design and build a correlation factor between the urban form and urban microclimate. Urban morphology indicators UMIs proposed several morphological correlations (numbers, dimensions, volumes, areas, orientations, and percentages) observed between the discrete elements of urban morphology to describe the built environment's morphology, geometry, and typology. UMIs are used in diverse fields of study. The generation of urban morphology is a complex process that includes several parameters. The collection and classification of generation parameters help architects and urban planners enhance the generation process. This study aims to introduce a classification of UMIs to be suitable for the generation process. The research assumes that the classification of UMIs is an essential process that helps in urban morphology generation. It presents a novel framework of classification of UMIs through the level of implantation in urban generation and the spatial relation between elements, four main categories of UMIs, which are concluded: Streets (UMIs), Building UMIs, plots UMIs, and Open spaces UMIs. Finally, the research will mention subcategories of each UMIs, besides the UMIs at each sub-category. S(UMIs) include connectivity, integration, choice, and permeability. P(UMIs) include Openness, compactness, and diversity. B(UMIs) include V/A, S/V, BDF, GSI, FSI, VHurb, FAI, and Hbuild. O(UMIS) include Po, Si, Oc, SVf, UCI, and Ru.

With growing concerns over energy and heat-related mortality/morbidity rates, enhancing building performances is key to improving the health and well-being of building occupants while reducing CO₂ emissions, in line with the UK Government’s Net-Zero targets. This study investigates the impacts of different retrofitting scenarios on overheating risk and energy performance in social housing for current and future climate conditions. Dynamic thermal simulations were carried out using Design Summer Year (DSY) weather files in DesignBuilder software for selected case study buildings. Winter performance was analysed using the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) index, while summer results were assessed according to the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers Technical Memorandum 59 (CIBSE TM59) guidelines. The findings revealed that bedrooms, especially those facing south, were at high risk of overheating. Factors such as building construction, the number of exposed surfaces, and window area influenced the risks. External wall insulation outperformed internal wall insulation in improving summer comfort. In the winter, Passivhaus standards with natural ventilation ensured thermal comfort across all zones, with a 41–53% reduction in heating energy consumption under current weather conditions. The risk of overheating and associated health issues significantly increased for the future weather scenarios. Further investigation into ventilation strategies, occupant behaviour, and passive design is required to mitigate overheating risks while reducing energy consumption in buildings.

Outdoor spaces are important to sustainable cities as they accommodate different types of activities and contribute to the livability of the urban areas. The enjoyment of outdoor spaces requires a comfortable thermal environment, especially in hot arid regions. Recent studies have investigated the effects of buildings, trees, water, and landscape design on improving thermal comfort; however, only a few studies have investigated the impact of solar-scape elements. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of solar pavilions on improving thermal comfort in a residential area in New Borg Al-Arab, Egypt, and to identify the optimum distribution method for increasing the usability and function of outdoor spaces during the summer. This study was undertaken on a summer’s day in the peak period using ENVI-met software. Five scenarios employing different solar pavilion distribution methods were applied and simulated in the case study area. Physiological equivalent temperature values were calculated for each scenario. The results demonstrated that the individual distribution of solar pavilions was the best at improving thermal comfort. A design methodology for urban designers is suggested to improve outdoor thermal comfort and satisfy users' demand for energy in existing and new communities.

Cities are described as living organisms. Cities have to change, transform and adapt to our daily life. Urban morphology is the most accurate definition to describe the changing process of cities, which occurred and will be occurred in our cities. The continuous changing process required a changeable generation system. The research introduces an Evolutionary design system (Genetic Algorithm) as the most suitable generation system dealing with this continuous changing process because it targets several design generations. Accordingly, the research aims to introduce and analysis several studies used genetic algorithm in urban Morphology application. Besides, reviewing the theoretical base of genetic algorithm and several computerized generation systems used in cities generation. This paper introduces fourteen highly cited studies to analyse the generation process and strategy. These studies will be compared to highlight the common and different aspects of the generation process. Finally, the research focuses on five studies to highlight the different applications of genetic algorithms in urban morphology generation.