The Effect of Green Areas on Urban Microclimate: A University Campus Model Case

Urbanization and the reduction of green spaces have significantly contributed to problems such as rising temperatures and declining air quality in urban areas. This study examines the impact of different types of green areas—broadleaved trees, coniferous trees, shrubs, and vines—on urban temperature regulation at the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Zihni Derin Campus. Surface temperature, humidity, ambient temperature, and wind speed measurements were collected using an infrared thermometer over a one-year period under various climatic conditions (August, October, January, and April) and at different times of the day (09:00 AM, 01:00 PM, and 05:00 PM). To quantitatively assess the cooling effect of each type of green area, a Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was applied, and a predictive formula was developed to estimate the cooling impact of various green areas under different environmental conditions. These formulated models enable the estimation of the temperature reduction provided by these four plant types based on different input parameters, achieving an accuracy of approximately 92% or higher without requiring direct measurements. The findings of this study provide a robust methodological framework and a practical tool for optimizing green space designs, mitigating urban heat island effects, and enhancing urban living comfort under various climatic conditions.