Use of outdoor microclimate simulation maps for a planting design to improve thermal comfort

Altunkasa C., USLU C.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND SOCIETY, vol.57, 2020 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 57
  • Publication Date: 2020
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.scs.2020.102137
  • Journal Name: SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND SOCIETY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, INSPEC
  • Keywords: Thermal comfort outdoor, Microclimate simulation maps, Predicted mean vote, Planting design, Tree species, URBAN HEAT-ISLAND, STREET, PERFORMANCE, VEGETATION, FACADES, DENSE, CITY, HOT
  • Çukurova University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The availability of thermal comfort conditions outdoors is considered one of the necessities of being a livable city. There is a relationship between outdoor thermal comfort and microclimate regulation potential of tree species. This study aims to form a proposal planting design, which may enhance outdoor thermal comfort in a university campus. In this study, thermal comfort has been identified by Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) index and ASHRAE scale and the analysis has been performed with ENVI-met software. The study has been carried out in three stages: a) Evaluation of the campus master plan in terms of thermal comfort, b) Formation of planting design, where six tree species have been used to improve thermal comfort and evaluation of this offer in terms of thermal comfort c) Comparison of the findings obtained in the first two stages and manifestation of information, which may be used in the activities aimed at improving thermal comfort. According to the findings obtained in the study, with a planting design in which tree species are located according to their characteristics, PMV values increase by 0.50 on average in the coldest hours of winter and decrease by 1.75 on average in the hottest hours of summer.