Extract

The Research investigates the behaviour of tropical micro‐climates in urban precincts, affected by building masses; focusing in to a commercial zone in Colombo Central Business District. The tendency of growth in developing countries contributes by blocking wind path ways and cycling the solar rays of reflection resulting Urban Heat Islands. Three case study areas with similar urban microclimates and activity patterns were selected for the investigation. The building mass, aspect ratio, height / width ratio, air temperature, sky view factor (SVF), velocity of the wind and relative humidity are considered as basic attributes. Measured data were analysed by the software RayMan‐Pro to provide Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) with a conceptual and suggestive attribute in a model urban precinct, for better thermal satisfaction levels. The qualitative changes of each precinct have been identified by onsite climate surveys; while thermal Indices behave according to Interrelationships in micro climates. The results demonstrate the urban precincts with dense building mass are having a higher air temperature levels in addition to PET behaviour, wind and shadings by SVF cannot participate positively when considered separately, but altogether make healthier micro climatic conditions with the best level of building mass composition in urban precincts in tropics.

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