The Influence of Planting Arrangement on Outdoor Thermal Comfort

Vegetation provides significant benefits for urban thermal environments attracting people to open spaces. Especially in tropical climates, squares are more vulnerable discomfort due surrounding buildings and increased hard surface coverage compared parks. Since the space planting is limited, a proper arrangement essential enhance outdoor comfort (OTC). Nevertheless, impact of different arrangements on OTC has not yet been adequately discovered tropics. This research conducts numerical simulations using ENVI-met software employing physiological equivalent temperature (PET) understand how patterns affect microclimate at pedestrian level (1.5m) under clustered, scattered, equally distributed arrangements. The methodology includes three stages; onsite measurements, assessment existing level, comparison OTC. changes considerably outdoors altering air (Ta), wind speed (WS), mean radiant (MRT), relative humidity (RH). MRT WS found as most important parameters influencing comfort, thus collaborating with previous studies. Equally providing highest improvement (9.8 ℃ PET reduction) level. Reduced canopy overlaps densities, improved homogeneous shade ventilation suggested overcome discomfort. cooling effect native tree species should be assessed future research. These results guide designers landscape architects improving warm-humid cities.