Assessing the Benefits of Climate-Sensitive Design with Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Change Adaptation in Urban Regeneration: A Case Study in Cheltenham, UK

Torkfar, Pourya and Russo, Alessio ORCID: 0000-0002-0073-7243 (2023) Assessing the Benefits of Climate-Sensitive Design with Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Change Adaptation in Urban Regeneration: A Case Study in Cheltenham, UK. Sustainability, 15 (22). Art 15855. doi:10.3390/su152215855

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Abstract

Addressing the challenge of climate adaptation necessitates an evidence-based approach. The integration of nature into urban spaces is vital in mitigating the effects of climate change, which can be accomplished through the regeneration of grey areas. Consequently, the incorporation of nature-based solutions (NBS) becomes indispensable for the creation of climate-resilient public spaces. However, only a few studies have considered climate change simulated data to design climate-resilient spaces in the UK. Thus, in this study, we evaluated the benefits of two scenarios for regenerating an existing car park space in Cheltenham with 30% and 50% NBS. These design scenarios were the outcomes of a 3-day design workshop aiming to create a climate-resilient public space with NBS. Using ENVI-met software (version 5.0.3) and weather data for the second-highest heatwave in Cheltenham, UK, in 2017 and 2050 predictions, we analysed temperature impacts. Results show NBS could reduce the mean radiant temperature by 6 to 15 degrees. An average decrease of 1.2 in the predicted mean vote (PMV) value, indicating an improvement in thermal comfort within the 50% NBS scenario, highlights its climate adaptation benefits. Comparison between the 30% and 50% NBS scenarios reveals the importance of strategy implementation. This evidence will aid future urban projects in designing climate-resilient and healthy cities, benefiting planning authorities, architects, urban planners, landscape architects, and researchers.

Item Type:	Article
Article Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Regeneration, Development, and Sustainability
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Urban heat island effect; Heatwaves; thermal comfort; Urban regeneration
Subjects:	N Fine Arts > NA Architecture > NA9000 Aesthetics of cities. City planning and beautifying. S Agriculture > SB Plant culture > SB469 Landscape gardening. Landscape architecture
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > School of Creative Arts
Research Priority Areas:	Place, Environment and Community
Depositing User:	Alessio Russo
Date Deposited:	23 Nov 2023 16:46
Last Modified:	07 Feb 2024 09:52
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/13474

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