Exploring urban form and microclimatic variables in a hot-humid city

This study aims to identify the effects of urban forms on microclimatic variables in a hot and humid climate. The study examined the parameters: sky view factor (SVF), hours of sun, street orientation, and proximity to green and open spaces. The microclimatic variables—air temperature, wind velocity, and relative humidity —were measured over an eight-day period. Twelve measuring points were defined surrounding a public square and divided into three transects: A, B, and C. Microclimatic measurements were taken in two periods of the year: winter and summer, in the morning, afternoon, and at night. From the results, the following is pointed out: a) lower air temperatures predominated around the square, a green and open space; b) the points with less ventilation were in SW-oriented streets (perpendicular to dominant wind) or deep streets; c) the most ventilated points were in the square or SE-oriented streets (parallel to prevailing wind); d) a significant positive correlation was found between SVF and hours of sun (R2 0.517 in winter/ 0.724 in summer); e) the SVF and air temperature (R2 0.270 in summer); f) greater SVF values increased hours of sun and elevated air temperature, especially in summer; g) SVF and wind velocity showed a negative correlation, which was an unexpected result (a less obstructed sky should have more porosity to ventilation). However, points with high SVF have low ventilation, suggesting that other urban variables tend to have a greater impact than SVF. Future research may consider coupling SVF with deep streets and orientation, taking into account local wind patterns and sunlight exposure.