ABSTRACT
We have now established that urbanization alters the microclimate and therefore the thermal comfort of urban dwellers, and that this effect is greatest in the urban tropics. We have also defined basic concepts that can help ameliorate the negative thermal comfort consequences of urbanization. In this chapter we will look at ways in which the conceptual idea of the “shadow umbrella” so far developed could be applied to concrete urban situations in the tropics. While the idea of the “shadow umbrella” addresses the need for solar radiation prevention, we will also look at urban strategies that will help augment the cooling potential of urban shading. These include promotion of urban wind movement and use of evaporative cooling in the outdoors.
