Analysis of different urban spaces on thermal comfort in cold regions: a case from Erzurum

With the rapid rise in population density in urban areas, there has also been an increase in research on quality of life and the effects of green space on health and comfort in densely populated cities. A critical part of improving the quality of life in urban areas is the reduction of urban heat island effect, especially in hot climate cities, and the reduction of adverse effects of winter in cold climates. Urban planning and landscape design strategies can have a great impact on urban microclimates, thereby providing relief from the harsh effects of climate change. Studies reveal that the cultivation of wetlands and open green spaces can have a direct impact on microclimate and comfort in densely populated areas. Erzurum is under the cold stress of the decreasing temperature in winter and continues to experience extreme temperatures in summer. This study is focused on the effects of urban design and landscape architectural interventions in the city of Erzurum. For this purpose, meteorological stations were placed in intensive construction areas of the urban city center, in wetland areas, and in the forested area of Ata Botanical Park in the city center. Three stations, dense green areas (1), temporary wetlands (2), and urban city center areas (3), were selected as urban area use types. Meteorological data were collected during March-April when the wetlands were full due to heavier periods of rain, and during July-August, the hottest months in the city. Thermal comfort values have been analyzed for different areas using RayMan soft model. The average value of Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (PET) recorded in March-April was 3.5 degrees C in the city center, 2.8 degrees C in the dense green area, and - 0.3 degrees C around the temporary wetland area. In July and August, the average value of PET in the city center was 24.9 degrees C, 23.0 degrees C in dense green areas, and 21.2 degrees C around the wetland area. In cold cities, it was found that the water surfaces, which positively contribute to thermal comfort in summer, increased the cold stress in winter. It was determined that dense green areas function as balancing factors for thermal comfort of the city both for summer and winter seasons and they contributed positively in all conditions. As a result of this study, more accurate decisions can be made for future urban planning efforts by considering the effects of different environmental conditions on microclimates in the city, especially where this consideration can be applied to urban design and development, urban revitalization efforts, or when designing new settlements.