Urban microclimate and thermal comfort in outdoor spaces in hot dry Damascus

Due to the complexity of urban microclimate and thermal comfort related to outdoor urban spaces, it is very necessary to deepen our knowledge of these issues in order to enhance better guidelines for the urban planning and urban design processes, especially when the relationship between urban design and urban microclimate is not known. The aim of this study is to investigate different thermal environments in the city of Damascus, Syria during summer and winter time concerning outdoor thermal comfort. This study is based on microclimatic field measurements and structured interviews in six different locations including residential areas and parks in modern Damascus as well as a residential street in Old Damascus. The results show that microclimatic conditions vary considerably between the different sites. It is illustrated that outdoor spaces in Old Damascus are more comfortable than outdoor spaces in modern Damascus. It is also shown that parks are more comfortable than residential areas in modern Damascus. The study highlights the effect of urban design on microclimate and demonstrates the need to create better urban spaces in harmony with microclimate.