Optimizing Microclimatic Design in Urban Environments: Study of Methods and Strategies for Residential Clusters

Urban residential areas are confronted with substantial challenges in maintaining outdoor thermal comfort due to the urban heat island effect. As the ramifications of climate change continue to escalate, it becomes increasingly vital for the well-being of inhabitants to improve the outdoor comfort of urban dwellings. The purpose of this study is to conduct an exhaustive review of microclimate design optimization to discern and assess a range of methodologies, tools, and design elements that contribute to the efficient creation of microclimatic-sensitive designs. The study adopts a systematic literature review method to investigate seminal publications, studies, and models pertaining to the optimization of microclimatic design. The study focuses on the different computational models, including RayMan and ENVI-met, and analyzes various context-specific design factors that impact microclimatic conditions in-depth. The review delves into context-specific design factors such as vegetation, building orientation, and urban morphology, emphasizing the importance of scale sensitivity, local adaptation, and zoning flexibility in optimizing microclimatic conditions. The analysis highlights a notable lacuna in the existing body of research regarding the optimization of microclimatic design for low-height residential units within urban clusters. The prevailing body of research mostly focuses on expansive group housings and institutional structures, neglecting the distinct issues and prospects associated with smaller-scale residential clusters. This gap highlights the need for more targeted research on smaller-scale residential clusters to develop tailored microclimatic solutions. The study can help address these overlooked areas, and further studies can provide a more holistic understanding of sustainable urban living, ensuring that microclimatic design benefits are equitably distributed across diverse urban environments.