Investingating the effect of Urban from on heat Island Phenomena

Abstract

This study is to debate urban forms embraces urban heat island adaptation and mitigation actions. It also aims to investigate the effect of urban design impacts, to develop strategies for reducing urban heat island influences with a good preparation for climate change adaptation, and to contribute in improving quality of urban life. In order to achieve the objectives of this research, the scientific methodology was used due to its suitability to the nature of the research. Which depends mainly on three stages; 1) record facts from the field, 2) build a preliminary theory from the literature review, and 3) experimental situations. Several approaches have been used: data collection, literature review, preparation through data bases, probability analysis using SPSS program, and Space Syntax analysis. The research investigates two districts in Jeddah which are Al-Balad and Al- Basateen. The results show differences in temperature between the two districts at the same time schedule. The factors impacting this urban heat island's result were attributed to different urban fabric between the two districts. The research recommends decreasing urban heat island by using robust structures, increasing the use of plants in design, and implementing an effective urban design. Design Strategy Properties of urban materials, particularly, solar, reflectance ,thermal emissivity and heat capacity ,also influence the development of urban heat island as they determine how the suns energy is reflected, emitted, and absorbed. The contribution of this thesis is the formulation of asset of strategies and principles that can help directing designers to transform these defunct downtowns into sustainable urban cores for people to live, work, play and visit.