Design Optimization with Building Forms and Their Effects on Outdoor Thermal Comfort: The Case of Composite Climate of Lucknow, India

The recent development in Lucknow shows that the amount of built mass may increase significantly soon, which may affect outdoor thermal comfort. This study aims to achieve a better alternative to the geometrical configuration of vertical surfaces that helps improve the outdoor thermal comfort level. The study primarily deals with the exploration of built forms by altering the planar forms, heights, and orientations to arrive at a better composition of vertical surfaces. 144 typologies were finally generated, which were then simulated in ENVI-met. The results show that, with the I-shaped typology it is difficult to reduce solar access, whereas in terms of ventilation, the typology performed better than L-shaped and C-shaped typologies. For this reason, the hours of solar access, as well as wind speed, should be seen together while developing the built-form typology. Urban neighborhoods can be designed with streets and open spaces oriented primarily to northeast-southwest and northwest-southeast directions which allow the open spaces to be thermally more comfortable than the rest of the orientation. This research highlights the importance of varying building heights to enhance thermal comfort. The findings provide valuable insights for composite climate cities like lucknow and can serve as a framework for future design strategies aimed at mitigating outdoor thermal discomfort. It is therefore important for planners, urban designers, and architects to design considering the minimal impact of the upcoming development on the thermal comfort level.