Title : Eco - square bioclimatic investigation of public square.
Abstract:
The square as a gathering place symbolizes the center of public life. Over time, the planning and design of the public square was highly associated with the need of its existence. However, in recent years, it has been strongly observed that public space is neglected. During the pandemic, the effects of evacuation were felt, highlighting the importance of the outdoor space as the only way out of confinement. Crowded enclosed spaces were deserted and people returned to the closest open public space. The driver soon became a pedestrian. The squares regained uses that had been suspended for years and at that point, they appeared to be unable to meet contemporary needs, as well as, ignored by the state.
This present study aims to identify, analyze and benchmark the typology of public squares. It focuses on their morphology and use and due to the great climate change it is examined whether they meet the specifications for the thermal and visual comfort of the visitor. During the attempt to evaluate these factors digital tools were used from the online software of Andrew Marsh (http://andrewmarsh.com/software/)
The content is the result of personal recording of public squares, through the design of two dimensional and three-dimensional imaging models. The selection of the squares to be studied is based on Rob Krier’s spatial analysis (Kier R., Urban Space, 6th edition 1991). Case study selection includes 26 European public squares from his classification by form in various types. As a study area of a certain square, the present research defines the area surrounded by the street lines of the neighboring building blocks, which can be also explained as the distance a pedestrian can cover in a five-minute walk around the center of each public square.
First, the geomorphological characteristics and the climate of each region are examined (macro-climate, meso-climate). The research was focused on microclimatic conditions of every public square such as the emission of solar radiation and wind speed. Another factor to be studied is the vegetation rate and quality of the square and its impact. Moreover, shading and sky occlusion data is being calculated on the surface of each square, to scrutinize the visual comfort of the visitor in relation to the surrounding building blocks. Thermal comfort is also being strongly affected by the percentage of the thermal conductivity and albedo of the materials used for urban floors and facades of the buildings.
The implications of uncontrolled urban development and lack of integrated energy resource management on the climate have been recorded since 1831. As a result, the Urban Heat Island effect occurred in most European cities. The climatic conditions along with the lack of versatility have already led to a reduction in the number of visitors. Sustainability is the only solution to the high impact of climate change.
