Form-based recommendations for pedestrian level thermal comfort in compact neighbourhoods – A case study in Glasgow

In light of climate change as well as challenges associated with urban liveability, many cities are now focusing on outdoor spaces as an extension of living spaces.  Aligned with this, the Glasgow city development plan aims to achieve a healthy and high-quality compact city that supports sustainable development in times of climate change.  However, overheating associated with climate change as well as urban heat island requires planners to identify the thermal comfort consequences of decisions to enhance outdoor living in urban neighbourhoods. Yet, the lack of performance data often hinders planners’ ability to propose guidelines for the health and wellbeing of city dwellers.  In particular, the relationship between compact urban form and heat stress needs to explored.

In this paper, we explore the thermal performance of neighbourhoods based on vertical and horizontal density parameters that are amenable with planning control. We develop graphic tools for the analysis of neighbourhood thermal performance at street level.  We demonstrate mechanisms to integrate the tool into the planning process of City Centre development in Glasgow by way of thermal comfort guidelines to enhance the liveability of an existing streetscape as well as proposed new developments within pre-determined neighbourhood forms.