Search Results (8)

As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of urban heatwaves, elderly populations are becoming increasingly vulnerable to outdoor thermal stress, particularly in dense Mediterranean cities. This study addresses the critical need for micro-scale, climate-responsive design strategies that enhance thermal comfort for aging residents in historically underserved urban neighborhoods. Focusing on the refugee-built area of Nikea in Greater Athens, this research explores the effectiveness of nature-based solutions (NBS) in mitigating extreme heat through spatial interventions tailored to the needs of older adults. Using ENVI-met 5.6.1, two scenarios were simulated: a baseline scenario reflecting existing urban conditions and an optimal scenario incorporating mature tree planting and water features. The results are analyzed across three key time points—morning, peak afternoon, and evening—to capture diurnal thermal variations. The findings demonstrate that NBS significantly reduce the Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET), with peak improvements exceeding 14 °C in shaded zones. This study highlights the value of fine-grained, nature-based urban interventions in promoting thermal equity and supporting climate adaptation for vulnerable populations. Full article

This study introduces a concise questionnaire designed to evaluate the quality of urban public spaces as a simplified method for collecting community needs and perspectives, enabling these insights to be effectively combined with metrics and viewpoints from policymakers and decision-makers. The case study was carried out in one of the smallest municipalities of Attica, in the town of Kaisariani, Athens, with an emphasis on the central square and the park of the area. Findings show that the majority of respondents prioritize improving the vegetation and lighting of Kaisariani Square, as well as demands for more benches and cultural/art elements. The most important negative experience was the feeling of neglect and lack of cleanliness. Concerns about lighting and lack of care/cleanliness were also key at the park. Addressing current gaps in the public space assessment literature, the study lays the groundwork for future research and supports the creation of easy-to-use quality assessment tools. In contrast to more analytical approaches, the proposed questionnaire tool provides a streamlined and efficient method for capturing users’ perceptions of public spaces. Its design ensures that evaluations are not time-consuming or resource-intensive, allowing citizen feedback to be seamlessly integrated into various public space management processes rather than being limited to exhaustive and costly research efforts. As urban environments continue to expand, the adoption of such techniques will be essential for fostering sustainable and resilient communities that prioritize the well-being of their citizens. Full article

Urban public space comfort is essential for improving quality of life, particularly as climate change affects outdoor thermal environments. This study utilizes ENVI-met, a 3D microclimate simulation tool, to assess thermal comfort concerning demographic factors such as age and gender. The findings indicate significant disparities in thermal stress vulnerability among demographic groups. On the hottest day of July 2023, at 10 a.m., children’s PET values were approximately 2 °C higher than those of other groups. By 3 p.m., females experienced slightly higher upper-range thermal stress than males. Elderly individuals aged 80 exhibited a broad range of PET values, from 38.14 °C to 62.39 °C, with prevailing values above 56.9 °C, indicating greater vulnerability to extreme heat. Children aged 8 showed PET values ranging from 40.20 °C to 59.34 °C, with prevailing estimates between 54.2 °C and 55.7 °C. Minimum PET values for children were significantly higher than those for adults, suggesting a greater baseline level of thermal stress. Despite cooling effects in the evening, children remained exposed to more pronounced stress than elderly individuals, males, and females. The UTCI values recorded indicate a period of extreme heat stress for all demographic groups assessed. While individuals aged 35 may encounter considerable discomfort, the severity of the impact is notably more pronounced for both older adults and children. This study underscores the need for tailored management strategies and advocates for expanding ENVI-met’s capabilities to enhance urban resilience and well-being amid rising temperatures. Full article

The study examines the effectiveness of various design strategies in alleviating the impacts of heatwaves in the Mediterranean region, focusing on a densely populated post-refugee urban area in Greece. By analyzing five different design scenarios, the study aims to identify the most efficient approach to mitigate thermal stress outdoors. The five design scenarios include changes in albedo values and coatings and alterations in the number and type of trees. The methodology includes a literature review, field work and microclimate simulations with the use of ENVI-met 5.6.1. The study evaluates ENVI-met data through potential air temperature, PET and UTCI analysis. The experimental results indicate that the most effective strategy is associated with urban greening. In particular, increasing tree cover considerably reduces air temperature, PET and UTCI values by 4 to 10 degrees Celsius. This finding highlights the potential of urban greening to enhance thermal comfort and combat heatwave effects. The research findings may be useful to landscape architects and urban designers, in light of a more climate-responsive urban design in the Mediterranean region. Future research may also assess the combined impact of multiple mitigation strategies on a larger scale, informing evidence-based policies for heatwave resilience. Full article

This study investigates the spatial distribution and quality of urban public spaces in the Attica region during the COVID-19 pandemic. A questionnaire survey was conducted to gather data on the availability, accessibility, and quality of open urban public spaces. The findings indicate that, although several respondents reported the presence of outdoor public spaces in their respective areas, these spaces often did not meet the desired quality standards. Notably, a clear preference was expressed for open public spaces located within a convenient walking distance, typically within a 15-min walk. Quality assessments varied across different sectors of Attica, with the central Athens and central Piraeus sectors receiving lower ratings in terms of availability, quality, and safety. Compared to the rest of Attica, the residential suburbs of Athens’s Northern Sector appear to have more accessible, safe, and well-maintained public areas. The research underscores the critical importance of quality public spaces, particularly during times of crisis. This study emphasizes the need for a re-evaluation of urban planning strategies to ensure that public spaces remain functional and accessible to citizens. Full article

The present study investigated the cooling effect of extensive green roofs and green façades, at the pedestrian level, of a Mediterranean densely populated neighborhood. The ENVI-met environmental model was employed to simulate the microclimatic environment on a typical summer day. Thermal conditions of the study area were evaluated based on air temperature and the Mediterranean thermal stress scale of UTCI (Universal Thermal Climate Index). Three mitigation strategies were developed to ameliorate the thermal conditions in the examined area focusing on the efficacy of green façades, green roofs, and the synergetic effect of the green façade and green roof. The mitigation strategies’ performance was evaluated in characteristic design layouts of the study area, namely the following: a typical Mediterranean square, a church with a churchyard, an avenue, NS and EW street orientations, and courtyards. Results showed that compared to the existing configuration, the synergetic effect of the green façade and green roof achieved the greatest amelioration of the thermal conditions during the hottest hours of the day (12:00–18:00) since it produced an average Tair reduction of up to 0.7 °C and a UTCI reduction of 1.6 °C (both in the courtyards design layout). Among the examined design layouts, the courtyards produced the greatest reductions in air temperature and UTCI, whereas the EW streets were the lowest. Full article

Thermal comfort is a key aspect of optimal conditions in urban public spaces. Air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and globe temperature measurements are critical components of bioclimatic research in the broader scientific field of urban space quality assessment. The evaluation of thermal comfort in public spaces frequently requires field measurements over long periods and at multiple sites at the same time. This can be challenging on a qualitative and quantitative level. Finding the most accurate way to collect such data in an accessible and manageable way is crucial in the context of an urban field study. Data from various instruments were evaluated and statistically compared in order to assess possible instrument synergy or even similarities that would allow a transition to a simplified way of measuring these determinants of thermal comfort. Full article

Today, high-density building areas, along with low albedo construction materials and a lack of green spaces, have led to higher urban temperatures. Climate change significantly intensifies the magnitude of urban overheating and the frequency of extreme heat events is expected to increase over time. The aim of this research is to showcase new insights into the cooling effects of urban elements and layouts in a residential area consisting of several building blocks in a Mediterranean city (Athens). The microclimatic model ENVI-met was applied to simulate thermal conditions for a typical summer day. Thermal conditions were evaluated according to air temperature and the estimations of the Universal Climate Thermal Index (UTCI, °C). The results showed that during the hottest hours of the day (11:00–17:00), among the examined design layouts, courtyards and the NS street induced the lower heat stress conditions, that fluctuated within the ‘Moderate heat stress’ condition. On the opposite end, the EW street, the avenue, the trees, and the pavement-affected areas induced ‘Very strong heat stress’ conditions. The maximum UTCI value, 40.9 °C (15:00 LST), was obtained in the areas affected by the EW street. The findings of this study highlighted the urban design layout patterns that enhance the development of hotspots and should be considered when designing mitigation strategies in cities with a Mediterranean climate. Full article