Urban climate, systems analysis, and health in urban design and town planning
With a systems perspective that acknowledges the complexity of delivering sustainable urban environments we research, teach, and design to optimise urban climate and urban comfort. We are part of the School of Law and Society, and engage widely with industry and local communities.
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Publication Alert: Urban Heat Mitigation in a Tropical Climate: A Computer Simulation-Based Study in Townsville, Australia
New publication looks into urban heat mitigation strategies for the Australian tropics. This work tested several different scenarios to assess their cooling potential. The scenarios were developed in partnership with Townsville City Council and, while they are not drastic changes to the urban fabric, they represent real-life, implementable solutions. This work advances UHI mitigation for tropical savanna climates, guiding sustainable urban planning.
Publication Alert: The Impact of Urban Ventilation Corridors on Land Surface Temperature: A Temporal Multisource Spatial Analysis of Colombo, Sri Lanka
This work revealed that the shift from open mid- and high-rise buildings to more compact structures significantly hinders natural airflow into urban cores. Furthermore, areas within urban ventilation corridors were found to have lower temperatures compared to surrounding regions. The study also highlights the importance of maintaining compensatory spaces, such as water bodies and green spaces, and regulating building façades to enhance air circulation.
New project! Urban Climate and Artificial Intelligence: Evaluation of cool pavements and vegetation as urban cooling strategies
Members of the BASC Lab in partnership with the University of São Paulo - Instituto de Arquitetura e Urbanismo - USP São Carlos - have recently been awarded a research grant by the Brazilian Government, through CNPq. The project titled 'Urban Climate and Artificial Intelligence: Evaluation of cool pavements and vegetation as urban cooling strategies' will investigate urban spaces in São Carlos, SP (Brazil) and Sunshine Coast (Australia) with the support of Artificial Intelligence, as a way of adapting to the effects of climate change in medium-sized cities.
Publication Alert: Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure in playgrounds: an Australian case study
This study highlighted disparities regarding shade effectiveness in public areas where children spend time. Whilst all parks had some form of built shade, playgrounds with dense trees proved more effective in reducing UVR levels. The size, quality, age and shade cloths’ placement also impact its protection capacity. Results indicate the need for greater shade-based regulations to guarantee UVR protection.
Publication Alert: Urban comfort and adaptive capacity: an exploratory study of urban life and climate responses in Aachen, Germany
A recent publication by Dr Silvia Tavares and colleagues highlights the influence of local cultures and identity on urban comfort - i.e. public space users' adaptation to urban microclimates. This study adds to the body of emerging case studies on urban comfort by exploring its local meaning in Aachen (Germany), a multi-cultural city. The authors argue that the role these preferences play in place-based adaptation is fundamental for urban sustainability and climate change.