The impact of the morphological change of urban spaces in shaping the new microclimate: A case study in Karbala, Iraq

Abstract

This study intends to investigate the urban morphology in forming microclimatic conditions in urban outdoor spaces. The Research looked at the compact form of a city and analyzed elements linked to air temperature, urban ventilation, and individual thermal comfort at a comprehensive street plan level. The urban design and the availability of open spaces directly impact all of the studied elements. The field study took place in the old city center of Karbala, a typical compact urban fabric, where the relationship between urban morphology and microclimate was explored. The precise street plan and the local buildings patterns were used to determine urban morphology. The software used to perform simulation was the ladybug tool in Grasshopper. The field study results show that the street layout, urban canyon, and open and compact urban form play a significant role in producing microclimatic conditions and influencing bioclimatic parameters as well as Unplanned urban growth may lead to a disregard for crucial elements including solar exposure, wind patterns, and the overall thermal comfort of metropolitan areas. Wide roadways inside conventional urban fabric can also contribute to increased solar radiation exposure. When urban areas are created without sufficient planning, there is a higher possibility of producing spaces that are exposed to excessive sun radiation without suitable shading. resulting in high temperatures and discomfort for pedestrians and other city dwellers.