Spatial relationship between land development pattern and intra-urban thermal variations in Taipei

Area of Science:

• Urban Climatology
• Environmental Planning
• Geographic Information Science

Background:

• Urban heat islands (UHI) are a growing concern in warm climate cities, yet research supporting urban planning is less documented than for temperate regions.
• Understanding the interplay between land development, greenspace patterns, and built-up geometry is crucial for effective urban climate strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of land development patterns on intra-urban thermal variation in a densely-developed subtropical city.
• To provide scientifically-informed strategies for urban planning to mitigate heat in subtropical environments.

Main Methods:

• Utilized land surface temperature data and geospatial information for Taipei, Taiwan.
• Analyzed the joint effects of greenspace patterns and built-up geometry on thermal variation.

Main Results:

• Cooler urban environments are linked to natural surfaces and their spatial relationship with building arrangements.
• Open building layouts are cooler for low- to mid-rise structures, while compact layouts are best for high-rise buildings.
• Clustered greenspace distribution and increased greenery enhance the cooling benefits of open layouts.

Conclusions:

• Proposed four heat mitigation strategies for Taipei: increase water bodies and vegetation, consider building height and shadow in development, enhance spacing and greenery around low- to mid-rise buildings, and avoid compact low-rise construction with corrugated iron.
• Findings offer actionable insights for urban planners to create more thermally comfortable and sustainable subtropical cities.