Studies of Outdoor Thermal Comfort in Bogor Botanical Gardens

This study investigates the use of thermal indexes, specifically Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (PET) and Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), to determine outdoor comfort in the Bogor Botanical Gardens (KRB). This park is centrally located in Bogor city, with elevations ranging from 215-260 m above sea level. The thermal sensation was determined using seven references: PET in Europe, Taiwan, Tianjin, Tel Aviv, and UTCI in the Mediterranean, Tianjin, and general contexts. The study involved 284 visitors surveyed for their thermal comfort perceptions. Findings indicate that, based on thermal sensation criteria from the seven references, KRB is generally not within the comfort zone throughout the year, except for the PET in Taiwan, which is comfortable year-round. In-situ measurements show an average daily PET of 33.8°C and UTCI of 34.4°C. According to the Taiwan PET range, the thermal sensation is categorized as somewhat warm to warm (uncomfortable). However, 69.4% of visitors reported feeling comfortable, likely due to the environmental conditions, with 70.3% tree coverage in the 54.7 ha park area.