ABSTRACT
The urban heat island (UHI) and heat load effect are environmental issues that have been documented in many cities. In studies seeking environmental solutions to mitigate the UHI effect, the use of microclimatic conditions has been found to be effective. In this context, thermal comfort is expressed through thermal indices, which can be measured or calculated. A number of research projects (conducted worldwide) have studied the effectiveness of urban geometries and greenery in ameliorating the UHI effect and reducing heat load in open spaces. Their findings show the thermal benefits of greenery in reducing the ambient air temperature and heat load at both meso and micro levels. Urban climate mapping shows how microclimatic conditions can be mitigated independently of urban climate through ventilation and radiation processes. Urban climate analysis shows that heat stress greatly increases in densely built-up areas. Planning measures to reduce this include the improvement of ventilation, the reduction of incoming short-wave radiation and the reduction of long-wave radiation from façades. However, these measures need to be shown in a spatial distribution, so that concrete action may be taken to improve air flow.
