What is IMM?
Channel: IMMdesignlab
Date: 15/11/2019

Integrated modification methodology (IMM) is a procedure encompassing an open set of scientific techniques for morphologically analyzing the built environment in a multiscale manner and evaluating its performance in actual states or under specific design scenarios.
The methodology is structured around a nonlinear phasing process aiming for delivering a systemic understanding of any given urban settlement, formulating the modification set-ups for improving its performance, and examining the modification strategies to transform that system. The basic assumption in IMM is the recognition of the built environment as a Complex Adaptive System
IMM is the acronym of Integrated Modification Methodology, an innovative design methodology based on a specific process with the main goal of improving the CAS (complex adaptive systems) energy performance, through the modification of its constituents and optimization of the architecture of their ligands. Its approach is fundamentally Holistic, Multi-Layer, Multi-scale. In this methodology, the city is considered to be a dynamic Complex Adaptive System comprised by the synergic integration of number of elementary parts, which through their arrangement and the architecture of their ligands provide a certain physical and provisional arrangement of the CAS.  

IMM investigates the relationships between urban morphology energy consumption and environmental performances by focussing mostly on the ‘Subsystems’ characterized by physical characters and arrangements. The main object of this design process is to address a more sustainable and better performing urban arrangement. IMM methodology is based on a multi-stage process composed of four different but fully integrated phases. IMM methodology through an interconnected Phasing Design Process shows how incorporating a wide range of issues makes it possible to improve the metabolism of the city as well as its energy performance.