Effects of urban street geometry and traditional kabalti passages on building surface temperature in a hot-dry climate

In hot climate regions, the direct impact of solar radiation on building surfaces, including heat absorption and storage, negatively impacts outdoor comfort and the living conditions of urban residents. This study investigates the impact of urban street geometry on building surface temperatures in a hot and dry climate, focusing on the traditional Suriçi district of Diyarbakır. Measurements were conducted at 25 locations throughout the year along streets with varying sky view factor (SVF) values and within vaulted covered passages (kabaltıs). In the study, a Testo 410-2 anemometer was used to measure air temperature and a thermal camera was used to measure surface temperature. The results show smaller daily surface temperature amplitudes in regions with lower SVF values and in kabaltıs with an SVF value of 0. Measured surface temperatures reached as high as 58.8 °C at high SVF locations, while they remained around 30 °C in shaded kabaltıs. The findings indicate that street geometry parameters such as building height, spacing, and orientation significantly influence microclimate conditions. Differences of up to 15-20 °C were observed between shaded kabaltıs surface temperatures and other surface temperatures at measurement points where the SVF value was close to 1. Reducing SVF through design strategies such as the use of kabaltıs and planting trees can improve outdoor thermal comfort in hot climates.