Impact of neighborhood spatial characteristics on the microclimate in a hot arid climate – A field based study

Abstract

• Different neighborhood forms can create inter-neighborhood microclimate variability. • Local-specific characteristics affect microclimate differently across neighborhood area. • Influence of local-specific characteristics on microclimate vary across seasons. • Vegetation is more important in regulating microclimate in shallower than deeper canyon. Although neighborhood is the level where most local plans are realized, little research has been done to understand how neighborhood spatial characteristics can shape its microclimate. This study aims to understand the effect of neighborhood form on its microclimate in a hot arid city, in Egypt. Two neighborhoods with different layouts are selected- a low-density historic area and a modern high-density area. Each neighborhood form was analyzed according to seven spatial characteristics: aspect ratio, street orientation, street trees, green spaces, percentage of tree canopy and impervious surfaces at 20m radii, and sky view factor. Microclimate data was collected using mobile field measurements in summer and winter. In total air temperature, relative humidity and wind speed at 44 sites were measured. The statistical and spatial analysis reveal inter-neighborhood microclimate variation which is more observed in winter than in summer. Moreover, the local-specific spatial characteristics within each neighborhood have resulted in a variation in the microclimate across the neighborhoods. The study also found a seasonal effect on the overall microclimate and on the way local-specific characteristics influence the microclimate. Findings of this research can have implications for future (re)development and planning of climate resilient neighborhoods, in a hot arid context.