Improving urban resilience and habitability by an effective regeneration of the streets: A comprehensive approach step-by-step validated in a real case

Abstract

The world's average temperature has increased by 1 °C, leading to more frequent and intense extreme weather events. Attention has turned to the Urban Heat Island (UHI), a warming phenomenon in cities resulting from human activities and the urban design. In this way, urban adaptation of streets and the development of new urban spaces focus on achieving thermal comfort. While the research community proposed surface energy balances (SEB), a limitation arises from SEB's ability to identify UHI due to its exclusion of anthropogenic heat. This study highlights the need to address anthropogenic variables and the importance of continuous monitoring in urban areas undergoing adaptation. A calculation method called co-simulation is suggested to incorporate anthropogenic heat using ENVI-met software as the basis. Adaptation justification involves monitoring and assessing the COMFA comfort index in an avenue. The calculation process proposes improvements for a comfortable environment, evaluating the microclimate impact on urban adaptation. Implementation, ongoing monitoring, and a comprehensive sensitivity analysis of the COMFA comfort index ensure a 60% improvement in the thermal sensation from June to September. This approach promotes the adoption of innovative solutions for climate change, emphasizing energy efficiency and well-being in urban spaces.