Assessment of the role of local parks in improving thermal comfort of outdoor spaces in arid and hot climates: A case study of Amirabad Park in Shahreza

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Ph.D. Candidate, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

3 Associate Professor, Department of Construction, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Neighborhood parks serve as fundamental elements of urban spaces, offering extensive environmental, social, and cultural benefits. These green spaces significantly enhance urban life quality and contribute to thermal comfort improvement while mitigating the urban heat island effect, particularly in hot and arid climates. Despite their importance, the role of indigenous elements, such as native plant species and locally sourced materials, in regulating thermal conditions and assessing environmental comfort has not been thoroughly investigated. This research gap limits the effective integration of microclimate-responsive strategies into urban landscape planning and design. Addressing this issue is crucial for optimizing thermal conditions and enhancing human well-being in urban settings. This study aims to evaluate thermal comfort in small-scale open spaces and neighborhood parks to improve the microclimate of the Amirabad neighborhood in Shahreza, Iran, during summer and winter. The research focuses on identifying effective materials, vegetation, and water features that contribute to thermal regulation. The ultimate goal is to develop context-sensitive landscape design recommendations that enhance climate resilience and sustainability in urban environments, particularly in regions characterized by extreme temperatures. The study employs an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating literature review, field surveys, and computational simulations. The fieldwork involves measuring and recording key climatic variables, including air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed. Additionally, structured questionnaires assess users’ thermal preferences and satisfaction levels. Simultaneously with the collection of field data on site, based on Taghvaei's model of "Fundamental Values and Factors of Landscape" (FVFL), an assessment of the park's landscape and its boundaries was conducted. The research further utilizes ENVI-met software (version 5.0.3) to simulate optimal design scenarios for summer and winter, providing insights into how different landscape elements influence microclimatic conditions. The findings indicate that material selection and vegetation significantly impact thermal comfort in open spaces. High-albedo crushed granite was identified as the most effective ground cover material due to its ability to lower surface temperature and enhance thermal comfort indices. Additionally, native tree species with broad canopies, such as Fraxinus excelsior (ash) and Ulmus minor (elm), play a vital role in providing shade, reducing ambient temperatures, and improving user comfort levels. Furthermore, the integration of water bodies in park designs has a positive effect on microclimatic conditions, as it increases humidity and lowers temperatures, particularly during summer. The study underscores the necessity of integrating native vegetation, high-albedo materials, and water features into urban park designs to enhance thermal comfort, mitigate the urban heat island effect, and promote climate resilience in hot and arid regions. These strategies contribute to energy conservation and encourage the utilization of locally available resources, fostering sustainable urban development. By implementing these approaches, cities can achieve greater climatic adaptability and environmental sustainability. The research findings provide a scientific basis for developing climate-responsive landscape design guidelines and urban planning policies, ensuring long-term improvements in the quality and functionality of open urban spaces. Ultimately, this study contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable urban environments by emphasizing the role of nature-based solutions in addressing climate challenges and enhancing the livability of urban neighborhoods.

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References

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Journal of Architecture and Urban Planning
Volume 18, Issue 48
September 2025
Pages 84-113

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