In the heart of Turkey, a groundbreaking study is reshaping how we understand and plan for urban climates. Led by Nuriye Ebru Yıldız from Niğde Ömer Halisdemir Üniversitesi, this research delves into the intricate relationship between urban structures and climate, with a particular focus on Ankara. The findings, published in the *Iconarp International Journal of Architecture and Planning* (International Journal of Architecture and Planning), could have significant implications for urban planning, energy efficiency, and sustainable development.
Ankara, like many rapidly growing cities, faces a stark reality: the urban heat island effect is intensifying. As populations swell and building volumes increase, the temperature difference between urban and rural areas widens. Yıldız’s study aims to map the urban climate of Ankara based on structural landscape features, providing a nuanced understanding of how different urban forms influence thermal loads and dynamic potentials.
The research method is both innovative and practical. It involves calculating the positive and negative effects of various urban parameters on thermal loads and dynamic potentials. “By mapping these effects, we can identify areas that are most susceptible to warming and those that have the potential to mitigate it,” Yıldız explains. The results are revealing. The climate class with the highest percentage, labeled as “Moderate Warming,” covers 18.76% of Ankara’s urban core. On the other end of the spectrum, the “Very Strong Warming” class covers a mere 0.05%.
The study also breaks down the heating effect levels by district, highlighting areas that require immediate attention. Çankaya, Yenimahalle, Mamak, Etimesgut, Keçiören, Altındağ, and Sincan are identified as key districts with varying levels of warming effects. This granular data is invaluable for urban planners and policymakers, offering a clear roadmap for targeted interventions.
The commercial impacts of this research are profound, particularly for the energy sector. As cities grapple with rising temperatures, the demand for energy-efficient solutions will surge. Buildings in high-warming areas may require advanced cooling systems, while green spaces and urban forests could become critical assets for natural cooling. “Urban climate maps can guide the development of strategies that not only improve the urban climate but also enhance energy efficiency,” Yıldız notes.
The study’s recommendations are equally compelling. It suggests that the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change should adopt this method for developing Ankara, in collaboration with local administrations. Additionally, the establishment of an urban climate branch is proposed to ensure the continuity and application of these findings.
This research serves as a model for other cities in Turkey and beyond. By providing a framework for mapping urban climates based on structural landscape features, it paves the way for better planning decisions and sustainable land-use policies. As Yıldız aptly puts it, “Understanding the urban climate is the first step towards creating more livable and sustainable cities.”
In an era where urbanization and climate change are inextricably linked, this study offers a beacon of hope. It demonstrates that with the right tools and insights, we can mitigate the adverse effects of urban heat islands and build cities that are resilient, efficient, and sustainable. For the energy sector, this means new opportunities for innovation and growth, driven by the urgent need to adapt to changing urban climates.