A genetic algorithm approach to optimizing the distribution of buildings in urban green space

Certain buildings are required in urban green spaces by Chinese regulations, and their area depends on the type and area of the green space. The sizes of individual buildings and the extent of dispersion among buildings in a group dramatically influences the local ecological environment and landscape. However, there is a lack of effective methods for evaluating the distribution of buildings, and it is difficult to plan and manage the arrangement of buildings in green spaces. Based on geostatistical methods for describing the distribution of geographic objects, this study presents the Index of Distribution (IOD) to describe the distribution pattern of buildings in green spaces. Yuhuatai Park and Qingliangshan Park of Nanjing are chosen as cases to verify the effectiveness of the IOD. This paper also presents a genetic algorithm-based model that can generate the plan of buildings corresponding to a specific IOD. The model provides considerable flexibility in buildings locations. The results of the model can be used as a valuable reference in the planning of buildings in green spaces.