Spatial Configuration of Optimization Model at Fort Oranje Area in Ternate City to Create Thermal Comfort

Abstract

Ternate's geographical condition as a coastal city with a volcanic mountain and on the equator makes this city potential for the phenomenon of urban heat island. This condition causes the air temperature in Ternate to be quite hot around 26-34°C. Consequently people feel reluctant to conduct activities in the public space during the day. This situation occurs at Fort Oranje public space area, where people visiting this place are not so crowded. It occurs because thermal condition is inconvenient for people to conduct any activities. This research aims to optimize the configuration of both the building and vegetation space to obtain a convenience thermal condition at Fort Oranje. The method used empirical measurement and modelling/simulation (engineering of area) using Envi-MET software. This method was used to conduct a simulation of thermal optimization at Fort Oranje. The results indicated that the engineering of spatial configuration with the intervention on the building by utilizing the vent and the use of vegetation could improve thermal comfort at Fort Oranje compared to the existing condition.