Assessment of Dynamic Thermal Sensation during thermal walk in a Mediterranean City

Over the past decade, human bio-meteorological research has increasingly examined the link between walkability and thermal comfort in urban environments. Traditional studies have focused on street-level thermal conditions, but recent research highlights how conventional methods misrepresent pedestrians’ actual exposure due to microclimatic variations along their walking route. Recently the concept of “thermal walks,” has been applied to examining pedestrians' dynamic thermal sensations as they move through the complex urban morphology.

This study examines (1) the relationship between urban morphology and pedestrians' dynamic thermal sensation in hot climates and (2) the impact of walking duration and distance on thermal perception. Field campaigns were conducted in Tel Aviv during both summer and winter across six street types: two commercial streets, two boulevards, and two side roads. Walking groups of 4 to 10 participants reported their thermal sensation votes (TSV) at four checkpoints along their routes, while simultaneous meteorological data—including air temperature, humidity, wind speed, and direction—were recorded using Kestrel 5400 Heat Stress Trackers. In total, 1,440 TSV responses were collected. PET and mPET thermal indices were calculated using RayMan Pro.

 

Results showed that mPET more accurately predicts thermal sensations during the thermal walk than PET. TSV varied significantly across different street types, increasing with walking distance. However, the relationship between TSV and objective thermal sensation weakened as walking distance increased, even with minor microclimate changes. Box plot analysis revealed that longer distances reduced TSV variability among participants.

These findings emphasize the need to incorporate dynamic thermal experiences into urban planning and bio-meteorological research, particularly in hot climates.