Designing with microclimate

Interviews with urban designers and planners

Abstract

In the second part of this thesis effects of climate adaptation measures on thermal comfort were studied. With a better understanding of the effectiveness the ‘best’ solution in relation to thermal comfort can be selected. Nevertheless, this might not be the most appropriate solution considering the site specific conditions. What considerations determine a particular design choice? This question frames the research by design studies in the third part of this thesis.

It is particularly interesting for this research to know why a designer decides to apply, or not to apply, climate adaptation measures when is asked to develop an integrated design with the utmost account of thermal comfort at street level. With more insight in the approach of designers to the theme a design method can be developed that fits to the actual role of urban microclimate in the design and planning process. And gives an indication of what output from this research can be of importance to strengthen the role of the theme. In this chapter a group of designers and planners is asked to give insight in their way of thinking through a questionnaire and an in-depth-interview. The results enables answering the sub-question: What is the role of the urban microclimate in the design process according to urban designers and planners?