Investigating The Transient Thermal Aeraulic Conditions of The ‘Sabat’ Space in Traditional Mediterranean Cities

Abstract

Cities are already experiencing the effect of climate change on their seasonal conditions, especially in the Mediterranean region where significant temperature increases are being observed. Walkability is an essential factor influenced by the global warming impacts and could significantly reshape the course of its magnitude. The current study is a part of a large research investigating the influence of transient thermal aeraulic conditions of ‘Sabat’ space, a traditional urban in-between space, on pedestrians’ walking experience in Mediterranean cities. The aim is to investigate the potential of Sabat in supporting a positive walking experience. The novel ‘thermal walk’ method was carried out to capture the dynamic pedestrian sensations, simultaneously, with mobile micrometeorological within two preselected walking routes in Algiers’ Casbah. This paper reports the mobile meteorological measurement of the ‘Casbah walk’ with the aim of exploring the potential of Sabat in generating transient thermal aeraulic conditions. The measurement campaigns were carried out for five days in late December (2022). The campaigns involved a total of 16 assessment points of covered (Sabat) and non-covered stops using a set of portable weather station TESTO 480. Results revealed the potential of Sabat in generating transient thermal aeraulic conditions within the street, and the significance of air temperature and shade in channeling wind inside Sabats. Air temperature, mean radiant temperature and relative humidity significantly differ between Sabats and non-covered spaces. The wind speed recorded the largest variation. Important spatial transitions may result in abrupt thermal aeraulic transients. Although current results are limited to warm winter conditions, findings contribute to a better understanding of the use of shade and wind patterns in mitigating prolonged heat exposure and highlight the potential of Sabat space, a traditional sustainable device, in creating restorative conditions for walking activity.