How microclimate modeling can improve urban design

In urban environments, small-scale climate differences, known as microclimates, can significantly impact livability. Microclimates are influenced by building materials, vegetation, and local topography, making some areas warmer or cooler than others. Understanding these variations is key to creating sustainable and comfortable urban spaces.

For example, dark surfaces like asphalt absorb more heat, contributing to the Urban Heat Island effect, where city centers become several degrees hotter than surrounding areas. Incorporating elements like trees, green roofs, and water features can help counteract this by cooling the air through shading and evaporation.

ENVI-met is a powerful tool that allows urban planners to simulate these microclimate interactions. By modeling how wind, temperature, and radiation move through urban environments, ENVI-met helps designers understand how different features affect local climate and energy use.

If you’re interested in exploring this in-depth, enroll for free in our new Academy course: 3D microclimate modeling with ENVI-met, which covers everything from basic concepts to advanced simulations with ENVI-met.

Gaining practical knowledge in this area can help you apply climate-resilient strategies in your projects.