EVALUATION OF THERMAL COMFORT OF THE CITY’S PUBLIC SPACES BY THE USE OF NUMERICAL SIMULATIONS

Decision making by those who play a key role in urban transformation can be supported by computer techniques. 3D-4D spatial simulations provide reliable information on the impact of spatial development changes on urban composition, microclimatic conditions and thermal comfort. Comprehensive approach to the subject of spatial changes during revitalization activities can contribute to guarantee high quality of life for people in urbanized areas, especially within public spaces. However, the current activities do not take into account microclimate issues, due to higher costs. As a result, an aim of this work was to evaluate microclimatic conditions and thermal sensation of people occupying two public spaces, i.e. Old Marketplace and Urban Square, which have been identified as priority areas in the process of city revitalization (Lodz). Results of studies may be presented to the local authorities to enrich analytical part of the urban development study, thus to enable appropriate decisions to be taken on land conversion. Conducted studies have shown that microclimate of areas is strongly dependent on spatial planning method. Greater diversity of meteorological parameters, i.e. temperature and relative humidity of air is observed in the Old Marketplace. In both areas there are microclimatic conditions described as uncomfortable. In order to guarantee appropriate thermal conditions for users, it is necessary to implement changes in their structure. The authors proposed potential planning strategies aimed to alleviate the discomfort related to human presence in both public spaces.

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