The Proper Geometrical Parameters of Urban Street Profile to Enhance Outdoor Thermal Comfort in Highland Zone of Algeria

Abstract

Solar urban planning is an intricate procedure that requires cogitating the interplay between multiple aspects and variables depending on urban form and solar energy inputs. In Algeria, unlike vernacular urban geometries heritage which displays a real concern and perception in planning with climate, the present urban design geometry consists of new application of urban rules that are not generally in accordance with the climatic context required for a specified region. In order to enhance outdoor thermal comfort in high latitudes of the Highland zone in Algeria, we attempt in this study to determine the proper geometrical parameters of urban street profile that leads to mitigate outdoor thermal sensation. In this regard, the present research focuses on the evaluation of the inadequacy of prospect urban rules with outdoor thermal comfort in the Highland zone of Algeria. Subsequently, a simulation of fictious fabrics by varying the orientation and the values of obstruction angle of urban street canyon was carried out for this study. Then, to bridge the gap between high urban density and outdoor thermal comfort, the parametric solar envelope was applied on the best profile of urban street canyon. The modelling simulation was run by using a parametric tool (Rhinoceros/Grasshopper/Ladybug). The findings of this research have revealed the following. On the one hand, the low obstruction angle can mitigate outdoor thermal comfort during winter period, while it cannot ensure summer outdoor thermal comfort. On the other hand, the high obstruction angle leads to enhance summer outdoor thermal comfort but cannot safeguard winter outdoor thermal comfort. The results of this study have also revealed that the generative algorithm of parametric solar envelope allows urban planners to achieve greater built density while mitigate winter outdoor thermal comfort.KeywordsOutdoor thermal comfortUrban street profileParametric solar envelopeParametric toolHighland zoneUrban rulesObstruction angleOrientation