Radiation absorption and urban texture

Steemers, K; Baker, N; Crowther, D; Dubiel, J and Nikolopoulou, M (1998) Radiation absorption and urban texture. Building Research & Information, 26(2), pp. 103-112. ISSN 0961-3218

Abstract

This paper explores the relationship between the geometry of urban neighbourhoods and the microclimatic effects of solar radiation. It presents both the modelling techniques and key findings with the aim of quantifying solar absorption and its relationship to the urban heat island effect. The impact on the urban environment and building energy consumption is discussed, which raises potential implications for design. This work discusses only one main environmental factor, solar radiation, which is part of a larger ongoing research agenda addressing wider aspects of the urban microclimatic.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: heat island; modelling; solar absorption; urban form; urban microclimate
Index terms: solar radiation, geometry, building energy consumption, research agenda, urban environment, environmental factor, modelling, urban heat island, urban form, microclimate
Subjects: mathematical modelling, urban sustainability, climate science, sustainability and energy, analytical methods, energy systems, environmental science, urban form and morphology, research management
Topics: Urban Studies, Sustainability, Engineering Principles, Research Practice
Descriptive scope: 3 PCA

N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here