Analysis of Thermal Parameters and Building forms in the Neighborhood of Rapidly Developing Urban Area Considering Outdoor Thermal Comfort

Abstract

As urbanization accelerates, the significance of outdoor space quality in influencing the health and happiness of urban residents becomes paramount. This research delves into the often-neglected aspect of outdoor thermal comfort, examining its dependence on interconnected environmental parameters—Air Temperature, Globe Temperature, Relative Humidity, and Wind Speed—at the neighborhood level. Employing data collected in October 2021 through the Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) thermal index, a widely recognized measure for assessing heat stress, the study focuses on six diverse neighborhoods in the composite climate of Bhopal. The result shows that wind speed has a strong negative correlation (-4.7) with relative humidity and a strong positive correlation with WBGT (0.46), Air temperature (0.48), and globe temperature (0.45). Results show the height of the buildings has a positive correlation with air temperature (0.28) and globe temperature (0.39). Wind speed has a negative correlation with relative humidity (-0.43) and a positive correlation with air temperature (0.29) as well as globe temperature (0.22). The study identified that when the building height increases, the air temperature and global temperature also increase which results an increase in heat stress. Similarly when the wind speed increases the relative humidity decreases which help to cool down the air temperature and reduce the heat stress. The results show that wind speed is the most influencing factor in these areas for thermal comfort. This study gives an idea that thermal profile study may be helpful in urban design and planning. This study emphasizes the critical role of wind speed as the most influential factor in outdoor thermal comfort, urging its consideration in urban design and planning. The insights garnered underscore the potential benefits of thermal profile studies in shaping more informed and effective strategies for creating healthier and more comfortable urban environments.