Summer thermal comfort conditions in shopping arcades and their adjoining streets in hot and dry climates. The case of the Nicosia’s historic centre.

Abstract

Twentieth century urban planning policies systematically neglected the bioclimatic parameter in the conception and realisation of open and semi-open spaces. The negative effects of such practices relate, but are not limited, to the increasing duration and intensity of thermal discomfort in the public and semi-public realm. Considering the significance of improved microclimate, this research focuses on the summer thermal comfort conditions of three shopping arcades. The study is undertaken in the context of a research on semi-open spaces as a means of excessive discomfort moderation. The adjoining streets, were examined to compare the thermal performance of arcades with other urban typologies. The research is carried out in the historic centre of Nicosia which experiences an intense Mediterranean climate. On-site environmental monitoring has allowed a detailed thermal comfort analysis, using the PET thermal index scale which is applicable to warm climates. Compared to open streets, shopping arcades were found able to mitigate extreme thermal comfort conditions, although they remained above acceptable thermal comfort limits for most of the monitoring time. Arcades are associated with less intense heat stress levels which give evidence to their thermal advantages over completely exposed open streets and highlight their bioclimatic potential in the Mediterranean climate. Arcades may thus be re-considered and re-introduced as beneficial microclimate control elements in sustainable urban planning agendas.