Study of urban microclimate conditions in a commercial area of an urban centre and the environmental regeneration potential

Abstract

Urban heat island (UHI) is a phenomenon that affects the urban microclimate. Land use, urban geometry, cover materials, vegetation, the water element and human activities are the most important factors that affect the UHI. This research focused on the study and analysis of the urban microclimate of three sections of a commercial street area that differ in their morphology. The first area includes a stream near the road, the second area includes the purely commercial part of the street and the third area includes the fringes of a hill in (Thessaloniki, “Toumpa”, Gr Lampraki Street). Using the Envimet V4 program, three simulations were performed for the selected study areas for the hottest day of the previous year, August 1, 2020. The values with the largest variations in all three areas were those of relative and specific humidity and finally air speed. The air temperature was higher in relation to the suburban area (UHI) and did not show significant differences in the three study areas. This leads us to the conclusion that the urban morphology, orientation and geographical location of the three study areas played the most important role in shaping the urban microclimate. Finally, is suggested one alternative scenario for optimizing the microclimate in the most burdened area of the three.