Improving pedestrian level low wind velocity environment in high-density cities: A general framework and case study.

Area of Science:

• Urban Planning
• Environmental Science
• Architecture

Background:

• Low pedestrian wind velocity in dense cities diminishes outdoor thermal comfort and hinders pollutant dispersal.
• Closely spaced tall buildings in modern megacities significantly reduce wind speeds at street level.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a general framework and detailed guidelines for improving pedestrian-level wind environments in high-density urban areas.
• To provide urban planners with a review of evaluation criteria and improvement measures for low wind velocity conditions.

Main Methods:

• Development of a novel framework and guidelines for enhancing pedestrian wind environments.
• Case study application of the framework at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University campus.
• Review and summarization of existing evaluation criteria and mitigation strategies.

Main Results:

• The developed framework demonstrated significant improvements in pedestrian-level wind comfort.
• The case study validated the effectiveness of the proposed guidelines in a real-world urban setting.
• A comprehensive review of improvement measures was compiled for urban planners.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a valuable tool for urban planners to address low wind velocity issues in dense cities.
• The findings support the establishment of sustainable urban planning policies focused on pedestrian comfort and environmental quality.
• The developed framework offers practical solutions for creating more enjoyable and healthier outdoor urban spaces.