Role of Street-Level Outdoor Thermal Comfort in Minimizing Urban Heat Island Effect by Using Simulation Program, Envi-Met: Case of Amman, Jordan

Abstract

This study determines to what extend does computer modelling and simulation contribute to assessing methods in planning of rural and urban regulations related to lowering the effect of urban heat island. This was achieved by examining global warming and its relationship with urban heat islands and outdoor thermal comfort through relationship, definitions, problem, causes, parameters and mitigation techniques. The aim of the study is to assess urban design aspects, such as height and width ratio, positioning of buildings and provision of shade, and their role in the enhancement of urban microclimate which will have positive effects on both energy use in buildings and outdoor thermal comfort of pedestrians. This was followed by studying Jordan's practices in building regulations for related factors in order to choose parameters to apply in computer simulation program application, theories and experiments, giving out timeless and expense-less solutions and suggestions. Sample of chosen attributes and parameters were applied on a hypothetical typical of residential zone type (C) in the city of Amman, to finalize solutions in possible building regulations and recommendations.