The influence of the age of granite paving blocks in outdoor public spaces on the ambient temperature during the warm months affecting their users

Abstract

In this research, we present the results from the comparison of temperature measurements that were made over different external points of public spaces in the old town of Xanthi. The area is located in northern Greece and is a protected settlement. All the points where the measurements were made are paved with dark gray granite blocks. This material has always been used to pave the open public spaces of the old town. Through the comparison of temperature measurements, it was found that the older paving materials develop higher temperatures compared to similar, but newer materials. Thus, it was concluded that the age of the paving materials affects the comfort of the users of the open public spaces. To test this, measurements were made during two months in spring and summer. During this period, the temperatures are higher and thus affect the users of the outdoor areas more; this results in a more useful comparison of the coating materials.