Quantifying the Microclimatic Benefits of Pocket Parks in the City of Mendoza, Argentina
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Abstract
The purpose of this work is to determine the potential of pocket parks or small green spaces to improve the thermal conditions of their immediate surroundings during the summer, as well as to assess their inner comfort conditions. The methodology consisted in working with two case studies located within the city of Mendoza’s residential area. Fixed temperature and humidity stations were set up, as well as mobile units that recorded air temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, wind speed, and other climatic variables. The points monitored were located inside and outside the two pocket parks selected for the study. Sky vision factor (SVF) values were also established with the RayMan program, and the thermal comfort was calculated with the COMFA method. The outcomes reveal that pocket parks can lower maximum daytime air temperatures between 5.6 ºC and 6.1 ºC. In terms of thermal comfort, people are in a comfortable condition in places where trees predominate. Pocket parks have positive effects in terms of reducing air temperatures and improving thermal comfort, especially due to the presence of increased vegetation cover and prevailing forestation.
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