Urban heat island phenomenon, urban morphology and building energy: The case of Chicago, United States of America

The objective of this thesis is to integrate urban climate and urban design for predicting building energy using simulation approach. Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon as a function of urban climate change and street geometry for urban morphology is considered. This study is aimed at providing architects/urban designers more informed choices for building design in a changing urban climate.;The microclimatic variation in the Chicago area is investigated. The effect of air temperature and cloud cover on building energy is investigated for the influence of UHI on building energy. Street width (W) and building height (H) are the geometric descriptors for defining the street geometry. Street geometry dealt with the street aspect ratio (H/W=1, 2, 4 and 8) and street orientation (N, NNW, NW, WNW and W). The sensitivity analysis is performed for street geometry parameters to investigate its effect on the building energy. The investigations are carried out in the varying microclimatic conditions within the Chicago area. Optimum street geometry from energy point of view is suggested.;Street geometry is found out to have significant effect on cooling energy savings. Street aspect ratio is found out to be dominant parameter than street orientation. Further, applications of the street geometry in relation to the density of built-up area and climate suitability in the urban area are discussed.