Influence of Vegetation in the Creation of Urban Microclimates

Abstract

Big part of the urban land occupation is composed of high density of buildings and large paved and impermeable areas, which supports the high increase of the air temperature in the urban centers, which creates microclimates in different zones of the city, causing the heat islands. The objective of the research is the identification of the thermal variability between the downtown of a medium-sized Brazilian city and the University campus, in order to evaluate the urban ambience in these different venues. The methodology used was the collection of climatic elements by means of specific devices in the winter and summer climatic season, taking into consideration forestation and built areas, and later the discussion and comparison of the data obtained in the surveys. As partial results, the climatic environment generated by the green spaces was highlighted, what propitiates the increase of the quality of life for the urban users. In addition, managers should introduce studies about the microclimates in municipal management plans, seeking to identify the influence of urban morphology and incorporating urban planning processes in order to improve conditions and minimize the effects caused by heat islands.