Journal of Engineering Research
Abstract
Abstract- Pedestrian well-being is significantly influenced by the feeling of being thermally comfortable, and enhancing this comfort level contributes to the overall walkability. This study extensively compares the impact of different approaches in enhancing thermal comfort for pedestrians. The evaluation encompasses both fieldwork observations and computer simulations results. The investigated strategies include the urban geometry (arrangement, orientation and shape of urban structures), vegetation, solar-reflective materials, and water features. These strategies are considered the most effective means for improving outdoor thermal comfort. The findings reveal that the key climatic factors influencing outdoor thermal comfort in a microclimate are mean radiant temperature, wind speed, and wind direction. Among the various heat-mitigation tactics, vegetation, particularly trees, proves to be the most successful due to their shading properties. Another significant aspect is the height-to-width ratio in urban canyons, where increasing this ratio leads to a higher level of thermal comfort. However, caution should be exercised when using highly reflective materials in urban canyons, as studies indicate that they may reflect solar radiation onto pedestrians. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of considering both physiological and psychological factors together to achieve a satisfactory level of thermal comfort.
Recommended Citation
Ali, Norhan Mahmoud Mohamed Ibrahim; Aboulsaadat, Ahmed H.; El-Darwish, Ingy I.; and Abdel Tawab, Ayman Gamal Eldin Ahmed
(2024)
"A Review of Effective Urban Strategies for Enhancing Pedestrian Thermal Comfort in High-Temperature Urban Environments,"
Journal of Engineering Research: Vol. 8:
Iss.
4, Article 27.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.aaru.edu.jo/erjeng/vol8/iss4/27