Study on the microclimate condition along a green pedestrian canyon in Singapore

Abstract

The research on urban canyons in the tropics is still very limited. Currently, the research focus has been on the temperate climate, especially in the development of the urban canyon temperature prediction model. In the Singapore context, the cooling impacts of greenery in the form of parks and rooftop gardens have been well established. However, the cooling effects within the different green canyon forms have not yet been explored. Experimental data were therefore collected in this study to examine the issues. Firstly, the microclimate condition and the thermal effects along two pedestrian canyons with different greenery and building distribution conditions were investigated. The results show that the cooling effects inside the canyons vary as a function of vegetation cover and shading effect from trees and buildings. Planting vegetation within the canyon can be an effective passive measure to improve the microclimatic condition. Secondly, pedestrian thermal comfort was also calculated. The calculated mean radiant temperature and physiologically equivalent temperature show that mature trees are able to provide thermal comfort to the pedestrian due to their ability to provide sufficient shading. © 2010 Earthscan.