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Urban Microclimates and Simulation

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Design and Management of Sustainable Built Environments

Abstract

This chapter examines the workings of urban microclimates and looks at the associated causes and effects of the urban heat island (UHI). It also clarifies the relationship between urban form and the key climatic parameters (sun, daylight, wind, and temperature). A particular section is devoted to the concepts of UHI intensity and sky view factor (SVF); these are useful indicators for researchers in this area. The challenge of how to model urban microclimates is covered, featuring the six archetypal urban forms familiar to analysts involved in using simulation software. The latter sections address the issues of urban thermal comfort, the importance of urban ventilation, and finally what mitigating strategies can be implemented to curb negative UHI effects. Learning outcomes: On successful completion of this chapter, readers will be able to: (1) grasp the concept of an urban microclimate and how they affect sustainable design; (2) understand the relationship between the urban form and the climatic parameters; (3) appreciate the causes, effects, and principles underpinning the UHI effect; (4) gain insight into how to model urban microclimates; (5) know about urban thermal comfort, the importance of urban ventilation; and (6) know what common measures are taken to help mitigate UHI.

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Acknowledgments

Part of the work on the urban microclimate simulation was funded by the UK Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC EP/F039867/1).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Construction Management and Engineering, The University of Reading, Whiteknights, PO Box 219, Reading, RG6 6AW, UK

    Runming Yao

  2. Department of Architecture, University of Cambridge, 1-5 Scroope Terrace, Cambridge, CB2 1PX, UK

    Koen Steemers

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  1. Runming Yao
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  2. Koen Steemers
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Correspondence to Runming Yao .

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  1. The Crescent 9, Reading, RG6 7NW, United Kingdom

    Runming Yao

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Yao, R., Steemers, K. (2013). Urban Microclimates and Simulation. In: Yao, R. (eds) Design and Management of Sustainable Built Environments. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4781-7_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4781-7_5

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