The role of vegetation in enhancing thermal comfort in open spaces: a study on the impact of temperature and humidity
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61511/ineq.v1i2.2024.1845Keywords:
urban microclimate, vegetation cover, tree canopy, air temperature, green infrastructureAbstract
Introduction: Thermal comfort in outdoor urban spaces is largely shaped by microclimatic elements like air temperature, humidity, and wind speed, all of which are strongly influenced by vegetation. This study investigates how vegetation, especially tree canopies and vegetative cover, affect microclimate regulation and contributes to thermal comfort in urban settings. Methods: The research was carried out at the IPB Arboretum on August 28, 2024, using observational techniques over a three-hour timeframe. Tools such as a digital thermohydrometer and a mini weather station were employed to measure temperature, humidity, and wind speed, while vegetation mapping was used to classify canopy density. Findings: The analysis found that trees like Ficus benjamina can significantly lower air temperature and raise humidity beneath their canopies through processes such as evapotranspiration and interception of solar radiation. Areas with dense, overlapping canopies were observed to have noticeably cooler and more humid conditions, while areas with minimal vegetation showed characteristics typical of the Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon. However, statistical regression did not reveal a significant correlation between canopy cover percentage and temperature or humidity, implying that other variable—like human presence or surface materials—may also play important roles. Conclusion: These results underline the ecological value of vegetation in moderating urban microclimates. Although canopy density alone may not directly correlate with climate indicators, strategically placing vegetation in city planning remains crucial for reducing heat stress and improving environmental quality in urban open spaces. Novelty/Originality: The novelty of this research lies in its focused examination of how specific tree species and canopy densities influence thermal comfort in an urban arboretum setting, using real-time, on-site environmental measurements.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Buruh Ahwaludin, Desi Tri Wulandari, Maheswara Aulia, Teguh Muhammad Iskandar
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