Field-validated parametric analysis of outdoor thermal comfort in parking environments in Tiruchirappalli, India

Authors

  • Amalan-Sigmund Kaushik-S. National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli image/svg+xml , National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli, Tiruchirappalli, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3260-4485
  • Gopalakrishnan Padmanaban National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli, India
  • Subbaiyan Gnanasambandam National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22320/07190700.2026.16.01.07

Keywords:

outdoor thermal comfort, universal thermal climate index (UTCI), surface albedo

Abstract

Rapid urbanization in warm–humid cities has intensified thermal stress in impervious parking environments. This study evaluates the combined influence of surface albedo, roof Solar Reflectance Index (SRI), vegetation cover, and orientation on outdoor thermal comfort in Tiruchirappalli, India, using field measurements and microclimate simulations. Field measurements from three parking typologies were used to validate ENVI-met simulations (R² = 0.931 for MRT). A parametric matrix generated thirty-two design iterations across four orientations. Results indicate that mean radiant temperature is the dominant driver of thermal discomfort. Increasing surface albedo and roof SRI alone did not consistently reduce UTCI due to reflected radiation effects. In contrast, 60% vegetation cover significantly reduced peak thermal stress across all orientations. East–West alignment intensified afternoon heat accumulation, whereas Northwest–Southeast orientation moderated peak stress. The optimal configuration of albedo 0.2, SRI 30, and 60% vegetation under NW–SE orientation produced the lowest mean UTCI (32.49 °C).

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Author Biographies

  • Amalan-Sigmund Kaushik-S., National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli, National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli, Tiruchirappalli, India

    Master's in Architecture. Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture

  • Gopalakrishnan Padmanaban, National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli, India

    Head of Department,

    Department of Architecture,

    National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli, India

  • Subbaiyan Gnanasambandam, National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli, India

    Professor (HAG).,

    Department of Architecture,

    National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli, India

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Published

2026-07-01

Issue

V.16, N.1 (2026): June 2026

Section

Artículos

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Copyright (c) 2026 Amalan-Sigmund Kaushik-S., Gopalakrishnan Padmanaban, Subbaiyan Gnanasambandam

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How to Cite

Kaushik-S., A.-S., Padmanaban, G., & Gnanasambandam, S. (2026). Field-validated parametric analysis of outdoor thermal comfort in parking environments in Tiruchirappalli, India. Sustainable Habitat, 16(1), 108-125. https://doi.org/10.22320/07190700.2026.16.01.07