Thermohygrometric conditions of some urban parks of Florence (Italy) and their effects on human well-being (original) (raw)

2003

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this study, for the year 2002, summer and winter thermohygrometric conditions of parks with different surfaces, located in Florence (Italy), were analyzed in comparison to meteorological conditions recorded by a weather station located in the historic center of town. Thermal differences were related to the size and vegetation cover characteristics of the parks in question. Biometeorological indices were also applied to evaluate the effects of these different micrometeorological conditions on human well-being. The results showed that even small vegetated areas determine a decrease of air temperature even if this phenomenon is more evident for park size >2 ha. The nocturnal cooling of air temperatures both in summer and in winter was directly proportional to the size of the urban park. The results of the application of biometeorological indices confirmed the more comfortable microclimatic conditions of the parks, in comparison with the urban site, during summer and the less comfortable conditions during the winter period. In comparison to all the other green areas, the small vegetated courtyard (0.02 ha) studied showed the most comfortable microclimate highlighting the importance of this type of architectural element in urban areas to mitigate the effects of urban heat island during the summer season.

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