Microclimate Classification of Bologna (Italy) as a Support Tool for Urban Services and Regeneration

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 May 4;18(9):4898. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18094898.

Abstract

A microclimate classification of the entire Bologna Municipality has been carried out in order to give a tool to the local administration in the drafting of the General Urbanistic Plan (PUG). The city was classified considering the variation of air temperature as a function of the surface characteristics, the vegetation fraction, the building density and the H/W ratio (height to width). Starting from the microclimate analysis carried out with fluid-dynamic modeling (Envi-met) for some areas of the city of urban interest, the air temperature variation was correlated to the physiological equivalent temperature (PET) in order to make a classification of physiological well-being for the resident population. An urban map of a normalized microclimate well-being index (BMN) has been obtained to give support when private, and public actors want to regenerate part of the city, taking into account the climate-centered approach for the development of a sustainability city.

Keywords: population wellness and health; urban morphology; urban planning; urban sustainability.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cities
  • Climate*
  • Italy
  • Microclimate*
  • Temperature