Microclimate and perception : research and design for thermal comfort in Kandy urban cityscapes

Abstract

Therefore, the role of landscape architect is essential in creating, according to individual habitat a more favorable outdoor environment for people with regard to their immediate inner living space: adequate shade, cooler temperatures, light breezes, and protection from glare. Outdoor public spaces become the heart of the civic life of the city and of those activities, that bind a community. Among public spaces "transitional spaces" are most significant. The problems arising from this approach with respect to human bioclimatic needs and perceptions as well as urban microclimate will be elucidated and practical solutions proposed. As a general conclusion, a different approach to urban design that conceivesthe 'city as landscape' is suggested. Thermal comfort forms an important factor for the usability and attractiveness of outdoor places. The recent research on thermal comfort reveals that next to physical parameters psychological factors are equally important. New knowledge on the perception of microclimate in outdoor space that can serve as a basis for urban spatial design has been lacking. The study has tried to elucidate some of the essential factors influencing microclimate perceptions and how these perceptions relate to the typical microclimate of these spatial configurations.