Experimental work and analysis of confined urban spaces

Abstract

One of the objectives in the urban layout of some neighbourhoods in southern European cities was the improvement of the extreme conditions, which take place during the summer. These improvements are applicable for both private spaces (building, houses, private atrium, etc.) and public spaces (streets, open courtyards, squares, etc.), that are so important to the typical lifestyle in these latitudes. Confining and reducing dimensions of the streets is very important in the final thermal behaviour of these spaces. Some typical urban configurations reduce solar radiation (direct and diffuse) over these areas and modify the air flow patterns. The Santa Cruz district in Seville is included in this kind of space. Experimental work and simulations have been performed. Coupling the results from both studies, thermal behaviour of these spaces can be understood, and the so-called ‘Oasis effect’ present during the hottest hours of the day, can be explained.