In the heart of Tehran, a city where the urban heat island effect is a pressing concern, Fataneh Shoghi, a researcher from the University of Tehran’s Department of Architecture and Energy, is shedding light on how city design can significantly impact our comfort and well-being. Her recent study, published in the *Journal of Daylighting* (which translates to *Journal of Natural Light* in English), delves into the intricate relationship between urban morphology, microclimate, and pedestrian thermal comfort, offering valuable insights for the energy sector and urban planners alike.
Shoghi’s research, titled “Human Interaction with Urban Morphology under the Influence of Urban Heat Island: A Systematic Review,” employs a novel approach to understand how variations in urban form parameters influence microclimatic conditions and pedestrian thermal comfort. By combining a systematic literature review with parametric thinking using General Morphological Analysis (GMA), Shoghi and her team have developed a framework that quantitatively links urban morphology parameters, outdoor thermal indices, and pedestrian comfort.
“The urban heat island effect is a significant challenge for cities worldwide,” Shoghi explains. “Our study aims to bridge the gap between urban design and thermal comfort, providing a scientific basis for climate-responsive design strategies.”
The study’s findings are particularly relevant for the energy sector, as they highlight the potential for urban design to mitigate the urban heat island effect and reduce energy consumption. By optimizing urban morphology, cities can enhance outdoor thermal comfort, reducing the need for energy-intensive cooling solutions.
Shoghi’s research also underscores the importance of considering psychological, physical, and social factors in urban design. “Thermal comfort is not just about temperature,” she notes. “It’s about how people perceive and experience their environment. By understanding these factors, we can create cities that are not only more comfortable but also more livable and sustainable.”
The study’s novel framework, Design Tools, offers a practical approach to integrating thermal comfort into urban design. By providing a quantitative link between urban morphology parameters and pedestrian comfort, it enables designers and planners to make informed decisions that prioritize outdoor thermal comfort.
As cities continue to grapple with the challenges of urbanization and climate change, Shoghi’s research offers a timely reminder of the power of urban design to shape our cities’ future. By embracing climate-responsive design strategies, cities can enhance pedestrian well-being, reduce energy consumption, and create more sustainable and livable urban environments.
In the words of Shoghi, “Our cities are not just concrete and steel; they are living, breathing entities that shape our lives and our well-being. By designing with thermal comfort in mind, we can create cities that are not only more comfortable but also more resilient and sustainable.”