Microclimate simulations for climate-resilient planning and design

Computational models are an essential tool to understand, analyse and predict the local and regional climate and to facilitate climate change adaptation and climate-resilient planning and design. This seminar provides an short overview of a variety of different models that are used to analyse the past, current and future state of the near-surface atmospheric conditions. The seminar focuses on outdoor thermal comfort (OTC) modelling.

For one or more specific planning sites, we will examine the current urban and open space planning design in terms of thermal comfort and adaptation to heat in the outdoor space. For this purpose, we will carry out our own modelling with Envi-met and follow the process of setting up the model area and analysing the data. The results of the modelling, including the biometeorological indices, will be analysed with regard to the need for improvement. In an impromptu exercise, optimised designs for the planning area are developed and modelled again.

After successfully participating in the course, the students will be able to describe different types of models ranging from micro- to regional scale and from statistical to numerical for various applied research questions. Furthermore, they will be able to apply and run a selected user-friendly outdoor thermal comfort model for a test case.

Prior knowledge of environmental meteorology, urban climatology and/or data processing is preferable but not necessary.

The combined lecture and seminar usually consists of basic input, student presentations and/or group discussions followed by a hands-on exercise. Study achievements include solving exercise tasks in the seminar and short presentations in the lecture. Exams achievement comprising a presentation (50%) and a seminar assignment (50%).

Further information (HisPos)