The effect of building height on thermal properties and comfort of a housing project in the hot arid climate of the UAE

A city’s microclimate is greatly impacted by urbanization. The ratio of building height to street width affects the thermal properties urban canyons. This characteristic one main elements that control radiation emitted and how much solar absorbed, causing air temperature be greater than in rural areas (urban heat island effect). aim this study examine effect variations housing buildings on layout canyons hot arid climate UAE. used a qualitative method based ENVI-met software case an existing project investigate current situation future conditions proposed configurations. investigated two groups configurations with unified diverse heights. results found best among first group heights was U3, which had mass reaching 20 m height, highest H/W ratio, lowest sky view factor; it recorded 0.5°C reduction 2:00 p.m. compared base case. also revealed heights, better locate masses wind direction. D2, were located only north west sides area blocking north-west prevailing wind, about 0.9°C Moreover, cases lower temperature, U3 D2 predicted mean vote readings, especially daytime, when highest.