Abstract
ABSTRACT Planting areas with arboreal vegetation has been proposed as a way to improve the climatic conditions of cities. However, it is not yet known which components of urban forest provide more satisfactory effects. The main goal of this study was to determine which components of the landscape provide greater influence on the microclimate and the cooling potential of the urban forest. For this, areas of different types of urban forest were selected. Using the fixed points method, the microclimate of the areas was analyzed, and by means of mobile transects walking a route of 500 m in an adjacent street, it was possible to analyze the influence in the immediate environment, determining the potential of cooling. The results indicated that the number of individuals and the tree density of the areas showed a statistically strong correlation with the temperature and relative humidity values, as well as with the cooling potential. In addition, it was found that 70% of the influence that the urban forest provides on the immediate surroundings can be explained by the number of trees. It is concluded that the number and density of individuals were the components of urban forest typologies that exerted greater influence on the microclimate, as well as on the cooling effect.
Highlights
Climate can be seen as one of the most important natural resources, and it must be understood and properly managed to contribute to the sustainable development of humanity (Alcoforado, 2006)
The results indicated that the number of individuals and the tree density of the areas showed a statistically strong correlation with the temperature and relative humidity values, as well as with the cooling potential
In order to carry out this study, areas that represented the most frequent typologies of urban forest in the city were selected: Forest Remnant; Old Green Area; Modern Green Area; Street Trees; Isolated Tree
Summary
Climate can be seen as one of the most important natural resources, and it must be understood and properly managed to contribute to the sustainable development of humanity (Alcoforado, 2006) It is an important factor responsible for the variation of landscapes and biological diversity on Earth, and in cities it influences the development of typologies and architectural variations, as well as different habits and customs of the population (Basso and Correa, 2014). Many inhabitants of cities around the world suffer from health problems and discomfort caused by urban areas overheating, and there is compelling evidence that these problems will be intensified by global climate change (Brown et al, 2015). The possibility of controlling the climate is a focus of interest of planners involved in designing spaces that prioritize environmental optimization and human valorization in order to ensure greater environmental and emotional comfort to its users (Basso and Correa, 2014)
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