Perception of thermal comfort by users of urban green areas in Lisbon

Abstract

Green urban areas are a potential touristic attraction, providing opportunitiesfor recreation and social interaction. In this study, two green areas in Lisbon wereselectedto investigate their influence on the thermal environment in and outside them andto analyse the usage of these parks in view of the perception of thermal comfort, the preferencesand personal characteristics of the visitors. Measurements of temperature and relativehumiditywere carried out for several successive weeks in summer and in winter, indifferentlocations around and inside the green areas. Temperature differences between thegreen spaces and the surrounding areas were greater in hotter conditions and reached up to7oC difference at certain times on particular days. This cooling effect provided by greenareas has a potential role in mitigating climate change impacts. In order to analyse theperception of thermal comfort and users’ preferences, face-to-face interviews were carriedout simultaneously with measurements of weather parameters. In summer, a positive correlationbetweenthe measuredvalues of temperature and relative humidity with people’sperception was observed. A significant association between individual’s characteristicsand type of usage of the parks was also revealed, particularly related to age and gender.Understanding the relationship between weather parameters, people’s perception and visitors’preferences is paramount to create green areas more attractive and beneficial for theurban environment.