An integrated approach for ventilation's assessment on outdoor thermal comfort

Modifications of urban structures that are linked to a lack of elements concerning climate interference in Urban Master Plans lead to environmental consequences that contribute to the thermal discomfort of pedestrians. Ventilation is especially relevant in promoting the necessary airing in regions with hot and humid climate, as is the case for the study site. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of ventilation on pedestrians' thermal comfort in coastal regions with hot and humid climates. This analysis was possible using an integrated approach to analyse urban layouts, thermal perception and urban legislation. An Integrated Method for the Analysis of Ventilation was thus proposed. The sampling area consisted of an urban stretch of Orla de Camburi, a seaside district in the city of Vitória, Espírito Santo (Brazil). The method used microclimatic measurements, which were recorded at the same time as questionnaires on thermal sensation were implemented. The field surveys occurred in winter, spring and summer, comprising six days of measurements and a total of 841 respondents. The survey results provide support for the proposal of a scale of wind perception and preference. The results also enabled the proposal of the calibration of the PET (Physiological Equivalent Temperature) thermal comfort prediction index to the climate reality of Vitória. Finally, the survey results promoted the creation of a system to evaluate the suitability of the Master Plan concerning issues about ventilation. The results reaffirmed the importance of using an integrated approach to evaluate ventilation considering pedestrians' thermal comfort.