Urban microclimatic diversity and thermal comfort: Do variations in sun and wind conditions correlate with PET grades?

Zhikai Peng, Koen Steemers

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedings/Edited volumeConference contributionScientificpeer-review

Abstract

Urban microclimatic diversity is of significance to understanding outdoor thermal satisfaction, as it offers a degree of freedom of choice for comfort seeking behaviour, thermal stimulation and potential alliesthesia. The existing assessment of thermal diversity has shown a strong relation to urban 3D geometry. A new workflow is proposed based on previous methods for strengthening the reliability in mapping urban microclimatic diversity. Two new indicators, the gross sun-wind diversity (D%) and the net diversity (d%) have been tested in three urban district models via Envi-MET simulation. The results are segmented by 9 grades of physiological equivalent temperature (PET), showing the value of including the range and variety of thermal sensations in the assessment of urban comfort. The preliminary findings point to a stronger link between microclimatic diversity and thermal neutrality in transitional seasons than in summer or winter.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationPlanning Post Carbon Cities: 35th PLEA Conference on Passive and Low Energy Architecture, A Coruña, 1st-3rd September 2020
Subtitle of host publicationProceedings Vol. 1
EditorsJorge Rodríguez Álvarez, Joana Carla Soares Gonçalves
PublisherUniversidade da Coruna
Pages564-569
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)978-84-9749-794-7
Publication statusPublished - 2020
Externally publishedYes
Event35th PLEA Conference: Sustainable Architecture and Urban Design: Planning Post Carbon Cities - A Coruña, Spain
Duration: 1 Sept 20203 Sept 2020
https://www.plea2020.org/home

Conference

Conference35th PLEA Conference
Abbreviated titlePLEA2020
Country/TerritorySpain
CityA Coruña
Period1/09/203/09/20
Internet address

Keywords

  • microclimatic diversity assessment
  • urban form
  • dynamic simulation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Urban microclimatic diversity and thermal comfort: Do variations in sun and wind conditions correlate with PET grades?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this