Thermal perception of users of different age groups in urban parks in warm weather conditions

Abstract

Studies of thermal comfort in open spaces in various climatic and cultural contexts, seek to create design guidelines for attractive outdoor environments, which improve the quality of urban life. In general, these studies characterize microclimates and define the conditions for actual and/or calculated thermal comfort by predictive indexes in streets, squares and parks. In this context, this pilot study aimed to characterize the thermal perception of users and changes of the range of PET (Physiological Equivalent Temperature) for thermal neutrality according to the age of visitors to a park in the city of Bauru, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The study was conducted through microclimate monitoring and structured questionnaires to users in warm weather conditions. Results showed higher frequency of thermal sensation between comfortable and warm; a differential thermal preference according to the major microclimatic variations observed between morning and afternoon; little tolerance to the effect of direct solar radiation and minor differences of PET index between the age groups of children and teenagers and greater variations between these groups and adults/elderly.