Urban form and metabolic flows. Factors and tools for the formulation of a new framework of urban planning: pilot application to Thessaloniki

Abstract

The paper aims to the formulation of a new theoretical and methodological framework regarding the relationship between the urban form and the metabolic flows (natural resources use. The ultimate goal is this framework to be considered as the basis for the improvement of urban planning through the development of alternative urban patterns that will be more effective in increasing resource efficiency. The main objective of the research is the introduction and the elaboration of a set of indicators and tools referring to the diagnosis of urban form and metabolic flows, in order to identify the factors of urban form that have a major impact on the use of natural resources. The area of Thessaloniki is the appropriate field for the pilot application of the proposed methodology.