Enhancing Bioclimatic Conditions in Urban Open Spaces through Surface Material Selection: The Case of Adana (Turkey)

Abstract

This study is motivated by research questions concerning the impact of surface temperatures of various pavements on daily life in cities with high summer temperatures. It aims to explore whether improving bioclimatic conditions is possible to achieve healthy, livable, and sustainable urban environments. Specifically, how do high surface temperatures during summer in urban areas affect daily life? What types of surface materials should be prioritized in urban design and planning? The primary objective of this study is to investigate how the surface temperatures of different pavement types influence thermal comfort, particularly during the summer season. The study area is Cumhuriyet Park in the Yurt Neighborhood, located in the & Ccedil;ukurova district of Adana province, in the eastern Mediterranean region of Turkey. Data were collected using a Parrot Anafi Thermal UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) system, with surface temperature measurements taken from 20 distinct points on September 10, 2022. A detailed surface temperature map was also generated using a thermal camera. Analysis of the temperature data revealed that water surfaces had the lowest recorded temperatures, while black concrete surfaces exhibited the highest. The findings underscore the critical role of surface material selection in shaping bioclimatic conditions and enhancing thermal comfort in urban open and green spaces. Thoughtful selection of surface materials is a fundamental principle in urban design and planning and is essential for creating sustainable cities with a high quality of life. The study suggests that, in cities with high summer temperatures-such as those in the Mediterranean region-increasing the presence of water surfaces, grassy areas, and vegetation can significantly improve thermal comfort.