Thermal perception and physical characteristics of urban spaces in Damascus, Syria

In recent years, the quality of outdoor urban spaces has received a lot of attention.There is a broad recognition that microclimatic conditions contribute to the quality of life in cities, both from the economic as well as from the social viewpoint.The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between microclimate and thermal comfort in different urban design patterns during the summer and winter in the hot dry city of Damascus, Syria.The study examines the influence of microclimate on people's thermal perception, physical properties of the place (beautifulness and pleasantness).The study is based on questionnaire surveys during the summer and winter in six locations with different microclimates.It is shown that the urban design plays a significant role in mitigating the negative aspects of microclimate, especially during the summer time.The study also illustrates that when people's thermal perception is within the thermally acceptable range (i.e.slightly cool, comfortable and slightly warm) they experience the urban design as significantly more beautiful and more pleasant than during thermally unacceptable conditions.Our findings suggest that a new perspective is needed for determining urban microclimate requirements and incorporating them into the urban design process to enhance the thermal environment in outdoor urban spaces in Damascus.