Impact of building height regulations on outdoor thermal comfort: a simulation and statistical-based study of residential zones in mediterranean context

The study of outdoor thermal comfort (OTC) stands as a vital issue for urban areas because it determines city sustainability and viability. The physical configuration of urban areas determines this factor, which is subject to building regulations. Amending these regulations, in particular regarding building height (BH), can significantly impact OTC. This research aims to investigate the effect of BH restrictions on OTC within residential neighborhoods in a Mediterranean context, focusing on the potential benefits of relaxing these restrictions according to Jordanian building standards. The research was conducted on a residential block in Irbid City, with simulations performed using Envi-met software to explore varying BH restrictions and their effects on air temperature (T) across two residential zones (Categories A and C). The results were analyzed using the physiologically equivalent temperature (PET) index to assess spatial variations in T, and statistical comparisons were made via ANOVA, along with Tukey and Dunnett post-hoc tests, using Minitab software. The study found that relaxing BH restrictions leads to a notable improvement in OTC by reducing T. The optimal scenario involved increasing BH by two storeys, which resulted in reducing T by 0.42 °C in Category C and 0.44 °C in Category A. The findings highlight the importance of reviewing BH regulations to enhance OTC and support vertical urban expansion. This can ultimately contribute to sustainable urban development in Jordan. The research offers essential recommendations to urban planners and policymakers for creating climate-responsive zoning regulations that boost outdoor thermal comfort in Jordanian cities.