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Home / Built Environment, Volume 33, Number 1

Increased Temperature and Intensification of the Urban Heat Island: Implications for Human Comfort and Urban Design

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Authors: Watkins, Richard; Palmer, John; Kolokotroni, Maria

Source: Built Environment, Volume 33, Number 1, 13 March 2007, pp. 85-96(12)

Publisher: Alexandrine Press

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2148/benv.33.1.85

The predicted rise in air temperatures due to climate change is exacerbated in urban areas by the heat island effect, which is also predicted to increase. The combined effect, in a temperate climate, will have some benefits in the cooler seasons but in the summertime will increase heat stress and the energy used for cooling. This paper refers to research results showing how changes to urban design can improve thermal comfort. It also shows how changing the albedo of the surfaces of the buildings can reduce the impact of solar radiation by reducing the radiant temperature of the environment. The benefits of increased vegetation within the urban environment are shown from measurements in the context of the urban London environment.

Document Type: Research Article

Publication date: 13 March 2007

More about this publication?

  • Built Environment is published quarterly in March, June, September and December. With an emphasis on crossing disciplinary boundaries and providing global perspective, each issue focuses on a single subject of contemporary interest to practitioners, academics and students working in a wide range of disciplines. Issues are guest-edited by established international experts who not only commission contributions, but also oversee the peer-reviewing process in collaboration with the Editors.

    Subject areas include: architecture; conservation; economic development; environmental planning; health; housing; regeneration; social issues; spatial planning; sustainability; urban design; and transport. All issues include reviews of recent publications.

    The journal is abstracted in Geo Abstracts, Sage Urban Studies Abstracts, and Journal of Planning Literature, and is indexed in the Avery Index to Architectural Publications.

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