Journal of the Indian institute of architects (JIIA)

87 | Ar. Kamini Singh, Ar. Mandeep Singh

Thermal Comfort in Public Spaces: A Case of Connaught Place, New Delhi - Ar. Kamini Singh, Ar. Mandeep Singh
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Reimagining Design Distinction Inspiring, Sustainable, Resilient and Inclusive Design
Abstract

This research identifies and evaluates the local climatic zones in streets and plaza spaces of Connaught Place, New Delhi to analyse the space-form-activity relation. The phenomenon being studied here is the variation in micro-climatic conditions because of changing urban form, material, natural features and anthropogenic heat sources. The paper is built on the hypothesis that there is an impact of spatial form and elements on microclimate which further influence the user perception of thermal comfort and hence, the activities in public spaces. The quantitative data of microclimatic parameters is overlaid upon the human activity levels. This is done by collecting primary data for ambient temperature, surface temperature, humidity, wind velocity and CO2 levels for the selected ten spots in Connaught Place. The variation in the data is then analysed for underlying causes and whether it is related to the physical properties of that space. The selected physical properties are layout, height-width ratio, surface materials, orientation, amount, and the type of vegetation. The results show a significant variation in spot level micro-climatic data within a spatial boundary of 1.5 kilometre of study area.

Keywords

Public spaces, urban climates, thermal comfort, urban surfaces, Connaught Place

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References
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Reimagining Design Distinction Inspiring, Sustainable, Resilient and Inclusive Design