Abstract
Pedestrians’ thermal sensation is affected by their exchange of energy with their surroundings, mainly through radiation and convection. In the case of cities, the properties of ground-cover vegetation can have an important influence on this energy exchange, particularly in terms of radiation. Although vegetated surfaces have a low albedo, they can maintain lower temperatures than typical paved areas because they are cooled by evapotranspiration – which can be crucial in a desert environment. The purpose of this research is to examine the cooling efficiency of surface cover plants which are adapted to arid climates. The research site, in the Negev desert of southern Israel, consists of several small test plots with different species of succulents, creepers, grass, artificial turf and bare ground. Measurements of surface temperature and albedo provided input for comprehensive pedestrian thermal comfort modelling using the Index of Thermal Stress, assuming an open space scenario with various surface cover treatments. The results indicate great differences between the vegetated surfaces and the other surface treatments, and broad similarities between the cooling properties of the different plants. Differences in cooling efficiency, therefore, depend on the water requirements of the different species.
| Original language | English GB |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | PLEA |
| Subtitle of host publication | 29th Conference, Sustainable Architecture for a Renewable Future, Munich, Germany, September 10-12, 2013 |
| State | Published - 2013 |
| Event | 29th Conference, Sustainable Architecture for a Renewable Future - Munich, Germany Duration: 10 Sep 2013 → 12 Sep 2013 |
Conference
| Conference | 29th Conference, Sustainable Architecture for a Renewable Future |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Germany |
| City | Munich |
| Period | 10/09/13 → 12/09/13 |