Experiments on Microclimatically adapt a courtyard to climate change

Abstract

Climate change impacts biodiversity, the use of public spaces, as well as building energy demand, and health in Mediterranean cities. The courtyard is a common typology of private/public open space in the area, which, according to previous research, is substantially affected by climate change. The main reasons are to be found in limited ventilation and the significant amount of radiation received by upper surfaces. A preliminary microclimate, simulation-based evaluation of mitigation strategies to adapt and capitalize on climate changes is here performed through the assessment of a series of analyses using reference year 2020 and 2080. The study addresses a representative courtyard, San Sepolcro cloister (Parma, Italy). One mitigation strategy is explored, limiting direct solar radiation. The shading system, which reduces solar radiation, arises from a process of morphogenesis based on solar parameters and exploits a strategy with vertical structures typical of some cacti, following the biomimicry approach of imitating natural strategies. In this case, the imitation regards both form and function, as well as the generative process. The research was conducted through parametric and generative design in Rhino-Grasshopper and environmental analysis in ENVI-Met. The Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) was the reference index for the assessment of thermal comfort. The shading system allows for improving thermal comfort, through protection from the sun’s rays and the non-obstruction of the vertical ventilation of the courtyard.