Influence of tree vegetation on the microclimate of urban green areas in parametric simulations

Abstract

The implications of city growth, which occurs in a way that subjugates natural spaces, have become evident in recent decades, and it is possible to perceive the need to seek balance and coexistence between natural and urban environments. In this way, the influence of green areas with trees, grassy soil, and exposed soil on air temperature in the urban fabric was analyzed under hot and dry climatic conditions. For this purpose, a survey was conducted on municipal guidelines regarding the required percentages of green areas, as well as other design guidelines, to support the creation of five parametrized scenarios. The scenarios present green areas whose spaces correspond to 10% of the total area of the planned plot, in different spatial forms: Central, Distributed, Linear, Mixed, and Peripheral. All spatializations were simulated in three groups: the first, with tree-covered green areas and grassy soil; the second, with green areas with grassy soil only; and the third, with green areas with exposed soil. All the parametrized scenarios were first modeled in AutoCAD 2019 software and then in ENVI-Met 4.0 software to generate demonstrative simulations of air temperature behavior in the scenarios. The analysis of the results showed that scenarios with trees recorded lower air temperatures compared to scenarios with grassy soil and exposed soil, especially during daylight periods, which can be justified by the shading produced by the trees in the scenarios.