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Table 1: Relationships between thermal comfort and urban heat islands
Thermal comfort parameter Relationship to the urban heat island
Air temperatureReducing the UHI increases thermal comfort in summer
Radiant temperature fieldReducing surface temperatures reduces the UHI and increases thermal comfort
Solar radiationReduced solar penetration limits the UHI and improves thermal comfort
Air speedIncreased air speed removes heat from the urban environment and improves thermal comfort
HumidityUse of evaporative cooling from lakes may increase humidity and decrease thermal comfort
Table 2: Categories of urban geometry and greenness for London
CategoryHeight/width ratio of street, xSurface Description
1 x%3D0Grass, etcRural fields, large park or trees
2 x%3D0Hard and grassHousing near park or field
3 x%3D0HardUrban derelict or unbuilt area or car park
4 0%3C%3Dx%3C0.3Hard, very wide gorgeLow-density residential area
5 0.3%3C%3Dx%3C0.5Hard, wide gorgeMedium-density urban area
6 0.5%3C%3Dx%3C1Hard, wide gorgeHigh-density urban area, around focus
7 1%3C%3Dx%3C2Hard, medium gorgeCity centre with tall buildings
8 x%3E%3D2Hard, narrow gorgeNarrow “back streets” with medium-tall (six storey) buildings