Microclimatic effect of urban renewal: a case study of Kayseri/Turkey

Urban renewal and sustainable cities are two popular topics elevated by modernization due to global climate change. In this context, climate-balanced urban design studies have an important place in ensuring the sustainability of cities. This study aims to determine how microclimatic effect is affected in areas where urban renewal is conducted. In this context, an urban renewal site in Kayseri, Turkey, was determined as the study area. Microclimatic changes in the area before and after urban renewal were investigated in summer and winter conditions using ENVI-met software. As a result of the study, it is considered that urban renewal increases the microclimatic effect positively in general. Summer simulations showed that temperature decreased by around 2 °C, relative humidity increased by around 5–8%, and a 10 °C decrease in mean radiant temperature and approximately 1 m/s in wind speed increase was observed in rear front and building cavities. Winter simulations showed that temperature increased by around 3 °C, relative humidity decreased by around 15%; and a 6 °C decrease in mean radiant temperature especially in planted regions and 6 °C increase in north-west side along with 2 m/s increase and decrease, respectively, in wind speed in planted and non-planted areas. It is considered that the study will provide important information for future urban renewal studies and will serve as a base for microclimatic evaluations.