A cross-analysis matrix comparing multi-site Local Climate Zone trends: Application to identify sustainable built morphologies improving summer daytime urban microclimate

Abstract

Sustainable urban planning must address multi-criteria issues, like urban heat island and outdoor thermal comfort. The Local Climate Zone (LCZ) classification links microclimatic measurements with morphological metadata, but multi-site comparisons are hindered by differences in background climates and landscapes. This study resolves this issue developing a methodology to identify common trends across LCZs worldwide. An application during summer daytime allowed to compare LCZ trends of air temperatures and outdoor thermal sensations. Urban vegetation emerges as a powerful means to reduce both. Generalizable LCZ insights provided by this methodology would prove highly valuable to help practitioners to identify efficient urban designs.

Keywords

• Sustainable built morphologies
• Matrix methodology
• Local climate zone
• Outdoor thermal comfort
• Urban heat island
• Urban stress island