DESIGN - BASED OPTIMIZATION STRATEGIES OF URBAN PUBLIC MICROCLIMATE IN MEDITERRANEAN CONTEXT. THE CASE OF TIRANA, ALBANIA.

Abstract

The quality of life in urban areas is greatly affected by the comfort and health of the environment there. As a result, the issue facing urban design and planning studies that attempt to improve the outdoor thermal comfort and microclimate conditions of urban areas is expanding. Comparing urban thermal comfort analysis to indoor thermal comfort study is more complicated since outside surroundings have a greater variety of dynamic analysis. While several studies have suggested, assessed, and analyzed residential blocks, high rise buildings, neighborhood patterns, or the performance of inner courtyards with regard to various elements, there is a gap in the literature addressing public squares and how they are connected to the thermal comfort of their users. In order to evaluate whether or not morphology significantly affects outdoor thermal comfort, this study will analyze those public squares and their surroundings through literary examination, followed by data analysis utilizing simulation tools. The purpose of this paper is to provide urban planners in Tirana and other municipalities with comparable climatic conditions with guidelines to help them make the most effective decisions possible when creating open spaces that are crucial to the city. This study will additionally provide design-based strategies for the optimization of these open places following evaluation, conveying improved microclimate but also alternative user experiences.