Evaluating Urban Outdoor Thermal Comfort in Jabal Al Natheef Amman

Abstract

Outdoor thermal comfort is an essential aspect of sustainable architecture, and it is key to maintaining a safe outdoor environment. Several programs have been developed to predict thermal comfort based on climate parameters, as well as the built environment, and to forecast comfort within the urban context. Solar radiation and wind speed can be manipulated by the constructed environment. This research uses Jabal Al Natheef as a case study. An attempt is made to evaluate the outdoor thermal comfort of the urban environment and to identify the contributing factors that impede or facilitate outdoor thermal comfort in Amman. The goal of this research is to investigate behavioral factors, including perception, in addition to environmental parameters, such as thermal adaptation and solar radiation intensity, as well as the green infrastructure implementation. A comprehensive literature analysis of outdoor thermal comfort over the last decade is conducted in this paper, which included adaptive and rational thermal comfort approaches, from the standpoint of contextualizing the behavioral perspective that is connected to the use of urban space. This research employed a scenario-based approach, enabling site assessment and community participation. The possibility of enhancing the outdoor thermal comfort in Jabal Al Natheef is discussed. Furthermore, we identify the effect of design measures that influence outdoor thermal comfort. Recommendations for improving outdoor thermal conditions in the region to improve urban life and stimulate outdoor activities are provided. The results indicate that vegetation has a significant effect on reducing air temperature by providing shade. Urban areas with more vegetation have a mean radiant temperature that is significantly reduced, by almost 7 °C, especially during the summer.