Impact of shade on outdoor thermal comfort, in the case of a Mediterranean Promenade

Abstract

Outdoor thermal comfort is a frequent research topic nowadays. This research focuses on the Mediterranean coastal promenade, taking as a case study the coastal promenade of the city of Durres in Albania. The purpose of this research is to find out how and to what extent natural and artificial shades impact outdoor thermal comfort at the pedestrian’s level by including climate parameters during the analysis. The study is both quantitative and qualitative. Following an evaluation of the urban texture, thermal cameras and climatic instruments are used to conduct field measurements. Then, ENVI-met computer simulations are run with a focus on the PET index. The results of measurements and simulations of the promenade have indicated a high level of thermal stress. In the end, using computer simulation, two hypothetical scenarios are developed, taking into consideration the parameter of shade. They are set under identical climate circumstances on a common summer day. The results of the scenarios have shown that selecting the appropriate types of greenery and artificial shading improves pedestrian thermal comfort by 12-45 percent. Thus, it is very important how promenades and public spaces are designed, paying special attention to their physical elements such as natural and artificial shading.