Thermal experience and perception of the built environment in Dutch urban squares

N.Y. van der Wulp, S. Lenzholzer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

50 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Thermal comfort is an important issue to be considered in the design of urban squares. This study hypothesized that thermal experience can be affected by the perception of spatial structures and materials, which can be influenced by urban design. Therefore, surveys were conducted in three Dutch squares (in Den Haag, Eindhoven and Groningen, respectively) to identify relationships between people's long-term thermal experience and three factors: width of the square, spatial openness and appearance of materials. The results reveal that all three factors have an influence: Dutch people experience thermal discomfort when spaces are 'too wide', 'too open' and consist of 'cold' materials.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)375-402
JournalJournal of Urban Design
Volume15
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010

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