Assessing Local Climate Functions of Urban Green Open Spaces: A Case Study on Public and Institutional Open Spaces in Glasgow

Rapid urbanization in the 21st century presents critical challenges for the adequacy and planning of urban green open spaces (UGOS), particularly in regulating local climate functions. The study of UGOS is insufficient to account for and link the broader climatic factors and outdoor environmental variables, especially concerning heat stress phenomena in recent years. This study evaluates UGOS integrating spatial analysis and microclimate assessment to identify their role in climate regulation. The findings contribute to the development of quality indicators for climate-responsive UGOS design and planning.

The study accesses two UGOSs, Hospital park (institutional) and Festival park (public) in Glasgow on record hottest days. The methodology is created with four main themes: (1) spatial and ecological relations, (2) administrative expert opinion integration, (3) key performance indicators (KPI) and (4) micro-climate indices comfort range. Three scenarios were analysed at warmest hour (16:00), and at sunset (22:00) with ENVImet to find Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) and Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET). The base case scenario represents the current condition and the 2nd scenario reflects past and existing trends of UGOS. The 3rd scenario highlights the integrated KPI of UGOS with recommended green infrastructure.

The result reflected reduced air temperature due to increased vegetation cover and permeable surfaces in the model. The UTCI value was lower than the PET value and the 3rd scenario achieved a comfortable UTCI range. The comparison depicts that the hospital park had less thermal comfort due to larger building footprint and incohesive planning. 

An improved micro-climatic environment obtained in the case studies through design recommendation eventually contributed to the list of high prioritised KPI for the vulnerable UGOS. The research draws on inclusive UGOS with long term climate-proof strategies for the city makers to promote good health and well-being.