Assessment of the influence of building parameters on the urban heat island in the districts of Moscow

Large cities, as financial centres, attract a dense adult population, leading to a high demand for housing. This growth requires urban expansion and increased building density, which disrupts the ecosystem and gives rise to a concentrated urban heat island (UHI). In a study conducted in Moscow, a numerical climate simulation model was used to explore the relationship between urban indices, specifically the building height-to-width ratio (H/W), sky view factor (SVF), and UHI intensity. The results indicated significant impacts of both H/W and SVF on UHI. More accurate predictions were achieved by adjusting coefficients in the Oke model using non-linear regression of simulated H/W and heat island intensity. These findings highlight the crucial role of urban morphology in UHI formation and development, providing a scientific basis for mitigating UHI impacts through urban planning strategies. While it is challenging to generalise a formula for calculating UHI intensity due to the diversity of urban forms, our research method offers a valuable approach for similar studies in other cities.