6. A Comparative Study of Thermal Comfort in Public Spaces in the Cities of Concepción and Chillán, Chile

One way of evaluating the impact of urban climate on human health and the quality of life is through the sensation of thermal comfort, which depends on a series of parameters, such as the physiological, psychological, meteorological, and morphological factors of the city. In this context, this chapter focuses on evaluating and integrating the measurement of instrumental comfort, perceptual comfort, and urban morphology in public spaces for two Chilean cities. For this purpose, pedestrian urban canyons representative of the city centers are selected: the pedestrian walkway Arauco in the city of Chillán and the pedestrian walkway Barros Arana in the city of Concepción. The survey was carried out during the months of January 2016 and February 2014 and included meteorological parameter measurements of atmospheric temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, in 2-h intervals. The comfort indicators of Olgyay, the Temperature–Humidity Index, and the Actual Sensation Vote were calculated. In addition, a survey of comfort perception was conducted according to an adaptation of Cheng’s proposal. For the purposes of urban morphology, three-dimensional constructions and vegetation were modeled. A significant correlation is observed between instrumental indicators and perceived comfort; this is clearly demonstrated by the greater discomfort declared by permanent residents of Chillán. The importance of planning the structure and urban morphology of the canyons stands out as it regulates heights; materiality and green spaces that help to reduce the causes of discomfort in the summer. More studies are needed to determine winter comfort.