Summer thermal comfort of pedestrians in diverse urban settings: A mobile study

Urban planning must consider the outdoor thermal comfort of city dwellers, particularly in cities where climate and effects change may severely influence human health wellbeing increasingly hot summers. The role urban forest ameliorating this problem is decisive. present study based on a campaign meteorological measurements large number sites using mobile data collection system to allow human-centred approach. aim quantify different microclimates conditions six classes morphology, discriminating landtypes with or without trees. In case Florence, local physical characteristics sites; Sky View Factor (SVF), tree shade, ground surface cover, canyon effect, can moderate exposure potentially uncomfortable during typical Mediterranean summer. Significant differences Universal Thermal Comfort Index (UTCI) were observed between treeless piazzas streets trees high height width ratio (narrow alleys). Varying levels SVF cover allowed construction multivariate models, which revealed that, common summer afternoon conditions, decreases by 12.5% increases 25% reduce UTCI 1°. Additionally, total site factor, incorporating temporally integrated sun sky view itself promising variable for future studies use.