The Study of Vegetation Effects on Reduction of Urban Heat Island in Dubai
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Date
2011-12
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Publisher
The British University in Dubai (BUiD)
Abstract
Rapid urbanization in the past 100 years has resulted in many environmental issues in large cities. Urban Heat Island which is the condition of excess heat in city centers is one of these environmental issues. Dubai which has developed tremendously in the past decade also suffers from condition of urban heat island. This research aims to study the effects of vegetation on reduction of urban heat island in dense and old neighborhoods of Dubai.
Computer simulation was selected as the major methodology in this research and ENVI-met software was utilized as the main simulation tool. The investigations in this research were performed in two parts; Part One focused on identifying the most effective strategies of applying greenery in a simplified urban condition. In Part Two, these strategies were applied on two urban blocks in Dubai to measure their effectiveness on real conditions.
The results from both parts of the research showed that application of trees with medium density is the most effective strategy in tackling excess heat in urban areas. Also, it was concluded that both grass and green roofs have negligible effects on reducing surface temperatures in the urban areas. Based on the results, it is suggested to apply the medium density trees in compacted forms around the built up structures in newly designed urban areas. In terms of the pre-existing urban areas, the best strategy is to utilize available empty plots such as parking lots to insert compacted forms of medium density trees in addition to planting along the wide pedestrian and vehicular paths.
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DISSERTATION WITH DISTINCTION
Keywords
vegetation effects, urban heat island, Dubai, urbanization, environmental issues, urban areas