Summer Thermal Conditions in Outdoor Public Spaces: A Case Study in a Mediterranean Climate

Comfort in public spaces is essential to their attractiveness and continued role improving human quality of life. Acceptable thermal conditions are determinant ensuring users’ comfort. This study undertakes an assessment three urban sites Arouca, the north Portugal, using ENVI-met software. Simulations test influence pavement façade covering material, vegetation, site morphology. The climate region classified as Mediterranean Csb, with rainy winters dry mildly warm summers. A typical summer day considered. results reveal that a combination factors might lead discomfort even this mild on average day, mainly due heat exchange by radiation. In addition, impact alterations surface properties depends morphological characteristics site, e.g., high albedo may decrease or increase mean radiant temperature, depending space. variability present effects observed at studied sites. always contributes, these cases, discomfort. conclusions highlight importance performing specific for each whenever intervention be planned.