The Adaptability of Cities to Climate Change: Evidence from Cities’ Redesign towards Mitigating the UHI Effect

Georgia Spyrou, Byron Ioannou, Manolis Souliotis, Andreas L. Savvides and Paris A. Fokaides ()
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Georgia Spyrou: Department of Architecture, Frederick University Cyprus, 7, Frederickou Str., Nicosia 1036, Cyprus
Byron Ioannou: Department of Architecture, Frederick University Cyprus, 7, Frederickou Str., Nicosia 1036, Cyprus
Manolis Souliotis: Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Western Macedonia, Bakola & Sialvera, 50132 Kozani, Greece
Andreas L. Savvides: Departure of Architecture, University of Cyprus, P.O. Box 20537, Nicosia 1678, Cyprus
Paris A. Fokaides: School of Engineering, Frederick University Cyprus, 7, Frederickou Str., Nicosia 1036, Cyprus

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 7, 1-21

Abstract: The urban heat island effect can be studied through satellite imaging, field measurements, or analytical and numerical tools. However, the latter methods are considered more comprehensive due to the complexity of the built environment and the large quantity of data required for an adequate analysis. This study aims to investigate the extent to which specific urban bioclimatic design concepts and strategies affect the urban heat island intensity in Mediterranean semi-arid environmental conditions, classified as subtropical. The case study site chosen was Kaimakli, an urban district in Nicosia, Cyprus, known for high urban heat island intensities due to its location and rapid growth characterized by more impervious materials and less green vegetation. The analysis of the specific site considers parameters such as urban density, vegetation, soil sealing effect, building age and materials, land coverage ratio, and orientation. A design scenario consisting of three mitigation policies of different building types, heights, and vegetated types was developed and investigated. The study found that under semi-arid conditions, the use of extensive vegetation in an urban block of a 200 × 200 m² area and the reduction of the built area by about 10% resulted in an air temperature reduction of 1.5 °C during the summer solstice at 3:00 pm. These findings quantify the impact of specific urban heat island mitigation practices on decreasing the intensity of the effect under subtropical climatic conditions. This study provides valuable insights into the potential of specific urban bioclimatic design concepts and strategies to mitigate the urban heat island effect. The use of extensive vegetation and a reduction in the built area have been shown to be effective in reducing air temperatures, which can have significant implications for public health, energy consumption, and overall urban sustainability.

Keywords: urban heat island effect; urban planning; mitigation; microclimate model; computational analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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