Thermal comfort in urban public spaces: Hot and cold semi-arid climate

Abstract

The climate conditions in an open public space, an outdoor space, condition the use and length of stay of its users, unlike indoor spaces where habitability conditions can be controlled, thereby isolating human beings from climate variables that affect them. Firstly, this is possible with an architectural envelope created for this purpose, and if the envelope was not designed bioclimatically, there is the alternative of artificial heating and cooling, which provide adequate thermal comfort for the user.

In order to evaluate thermal comfort in open public spaces in the City of Nogales, Sonora, in relation to their seasonal habitability, two cases were selected for study. Perceived thermal sensation was evaluated through subjective surveys of users, which included type of clothing, gender, activity, age, and questions about satisfaction, length of stay, safety and proper use of the site. While interviews were carried out, measurements of the area were taken of certain climate variables, including: air temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, solar radiation and radiant temperature. Survey participants were asked to evaluate their thermal sensation on a seven-point scale from very hot to very cold, based on the ISO Standard 7730:2005 thermal sensation scale.

Once the results were analyzed, the user´s Neutrality Temperature (Tn) or comfort temperature was determined, which could be used to design or adapt existing public spaces in the locality, or in cities with the same or a similar type of climate, in this way contributing to the restoration of coexistence and socialization in open public spaces.