Solar-Optimized Urban Form: Reimagining the Sustainable Block for Energy Resilience and Social Connectivity

Solar energy, one of the most abundant and accessible renewable resources, has become increasingly central to the vision of sustainable urban futures. Yet, much of the existing research has been confined to its morphological potential—optimizing building orientation, roof geometry, and shading—while paying limited attention to the social dimensions that condition its acceptance and long-term success. This study addresses this gap by reimagining solar integration through the lens of the Community Block (Oikonomou, 2015), an urban design framework that foregrounds the interactions between buildings, streets, open spaces, and shared social life. Adopting a mixed-method approach that combines urban morphological analysis with participatory design case studies, the study evaluates how seven key urban design qualities—flexibility, enclosure, adaptability, ownership, diversity, sense of belonging, and permeability—mediate the relationship between energy efficiency and community needs. The findings reveal that participatory-designed blocks not only optimize solar performance but also foster stronger resident engagement in energy stewardship, reinforce networks of collaboration, and cultivate shared spaces that support social cohesion. By advancing a solar-optimized urban form that unites technical efficiency with socio-cultural vitality, the chapter contributes both a theoretical framework and practical insights for planners, designers, and policymakers seeking to align energy resilience with inclusive and connected urban living.