Modelling thermal adaptation and thermal preferences in outdoor urban environments

Whilst research into indoor thermal comfort is well advances, the impact of outdoor thermal conditions has received less attention. The thermal conditions encountered in outdoor urban space are a major determinant of the patterns of usage of the space and are created in part by the surrounding buildings. This paper describes a research project which is attempting to develop indices of outdoor thermal comfort which can be used in the evaluation of the impact of new urban development upon the quality of the environment in urban spaces.