EMPREGO DO UNIVERSAL THERMAL CLIMATE INDEX (UTCI) NA AVALIAÇÃO DO CONFORTO TÉRMICO DA PRAÇA NOVE DE JULHO, PRESIDENTE PRUDENTE-SP.

Abstract

The living conditions in the urban environment is immediately associated to its urban spaces quality. Thus, local microclimate and comfort are essential agents that impact uses, attracting or repelling users. This study aimed to apply the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) in the thermal comfort analysis of the Nove de Julho Square, the main public square in the city of Presidente Prudente, by comparing the data obtained with the users thermal comfort and evaluating this index predictive capacity to the local climate conditions. For this purpose, the project methodology RUROS (Rediscovering the Urban Realm and Open Spaces) was used, monitoring the local microclimate with the simultaneous application of surveys about users sensations and thermal perceptions. That allowed the thermal comfort index UTCI to be calculated and the comparison of its results with the real feel of thermal comfort (sensations and thermic perceptions). The results obtained showed the need to calibrate the index so it can me more efficient in the prediction of open spaces thermal comfort in regions with the same climate characteristics of Presidente Prudente/SP.