Abstract
The increasing temperatures in urban areas can negatively affect the health and comfort of its dwellers. Thus, this study assessed thermal comfort conditions in a public square, located in hot-humid Midwest Brazil, based on the relationship between microclimate conditions, thermal sensations and adaptation. Data used were collected through micrometeorological measurements and questionnaire surveys, which were performed simultaneously in field campaigns during hot and cold seasons. The aim was to propose design guidelines for open areas according to local thermal preferences. An updated regionally-calibrated Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) assessment scale is also proposed. Neutral temperatures were estimated on a seasonal basis and critical discomfort hours on a monthly basis. The results reaffirm that psychological and behavioral factors influence the individuals’ assessment of the outdoor thermal environment and therefore should be considered as design criteria. To improve the microclimate of urban open areas in Campo Grande, shading must be provided primarily by trees and resting areas should be protected from wind exposure. The use of water features for evaporative cooling purposes is not recommended, however, drinking fountains should be available in public squares. Such results can be used by landscape architects and urban planners to deliver thermally comfortable open spaces, encouraging greater use and increased length of stay in these areas.
Highlights
Mean annual temperatures in cities are expected to increase by up to 4.9 °C by the 2080s as a consequence of climate change and the urban heat island effect (UCCRN, 2015)
Many studies have emphasized the importance of mean radiant temperature in the assessment of outdoor thermal comfort conditions (Thorsson et al, 2004; Matzarakis et al, 2007; Krüger et al, 2011)
In situations of sun exposure, mean radiant temperature can be regarded as a parameter that more accurately assess outdoor thermal comfort conditions than air temperature, which is the main variable conventionally adopted (Minella et al, 2011)
Summary
Mean annual temperatures in cities are expected to increase by up to 4.9 °C by the 2080s as a consequence of climate change and the urban heat island effect (UCCRN, 2015). Given the potentially harmful impacts of high temperatures on the comfort of city inhabitants, urban heating mitigation must be made a priority by planning authorities (Ketterer & Matzarakis, 2014) by means of conscientious design. Recent Brazilian studies have assessed outdoor thermal comfort conditions with focus on physical attributes of the city, such as: urban geometry (Krüger et al, 2011), Sky View Factor (Minella et al, 2011), ventilation (Silva & Alvarez, 2015), vegetation (Abreu-Harbich et al, 2015), surface properties and land use (Carfan et al, 2014). A study more focused on psychological factors can be of significant contribution to better practices of climate-sensitive design in Brazil
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