Urban Microclimate Modelling for Comfort and Energy Studies

This book discusses urban microclimate and heat-related risks in urban areas, brought on by the combination of global climate change effects and local modification of climate determined by extensive urbanization such as the 'Urban heat island' phenomenon. This matter is relevant to almost all urbanized areas in the world, where the increase of urban population and air temperature is expected to endanger both the overall health of the population and the energy supply for the functioning of urban systems. The book details the inter-relationship between urban morphology, microclimate and building energy performance and presents a multidisciplinary approach that brings together Urban Climatology, Engineering and Architectural knowledge to support the development of reliable models and tools for research and practice.

This book is a useful tool for architects and building energy modelers, urban planners and geographers who need a practical guide to realize basic urban microclimate simulation for use in both academic research and planning practice.

• A multidisciplinary overview of the research field and its importance to different disciplines working on urban scale issues;
• Advances knowledge on tools and models for urban climate analysis;
• Provides a model for effectively integrating urban climate knowledge into the planning and designing processes.