CNC Report 08.26.24 8.5x11 - Flipbook - Page 54
DESIGN FOR OUTDOOR COMFORT
How can the pedestrian way expand to extend and activate commercial frontages?
How can landscaping contribute to beauty while acting as buffer alongside tree canopies to reduce
heat island along the pedestrian way?
Elements that enhance outdoor thermal comfort increase the usability, walkability and livability of the
street and public realm.
Incorporating trees into the streetscape can not only improve the urban micro-climate, but it also has
the potential to reduce heat stress of the paving in summer (by shading), extending its lifespan.
1. Increase the Public Realm
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Neighborhood recreational walking is associated with perceptions of the presence of recreational
facilities: provide grocery stores, restaurants, shopping, banks, schools, entertainment, and
parks at walkable distances.
Include public areas at 5-20 minutes walking distances to offer rest and respite. These can be
parks, green areas, seating and tables / PV canopies, etc. as small hubs within a neighborhood.
2. Create Natural Barriers
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Pedestrians subconsciously tend to move away from vertical faces of buildings. Therefore,
frontage zones play an important role as buffer areas, preventing pedestrians from feeling
confined and encouraging them to utilize public spaces more effectively.
Increase of green buffers along the corridor also provides evaporative cooling in the warm
periods and provides elements of biophilia.
There is ample wind flow from due South all year round. Use wind barriers in the winter (such as
movable furniture, vegetation, etc.) at intervals along the corridor to block cold winds. Allow wind
flow in the summer periods for extra passive cooling.
3. Incorporate Landscaping
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Street trees are associated with higher levels of activity and commuting-related walking and
cycling.
Street trees on the East side of the street provides greater shading during the hotter parts of the
day (late afternoon) where the sun hits from the West. This helps to lower building cooling energy
use, mitigate the urban heat island effect, and reduce outdoor discomfort.
Native and deciduous trees allow beneficial sun in the winter and shade in the summer.
Adding “sponginess” with vegetation, swales, lighter-colored / permeable pavements can
decrease urban heat island and increase biodiversity.
archimania
Transsolar
KlimaEngineering
