THE INFLUENCE OF LANDSCAPING MATERIALS ON URBAN HEAT ISLANDS

摘要

Along with the rapid urbanization, green areas especially at the city cores are replaced with asphalt and concrete surfaces resulting in elevated temperatures and change in micro-climate; a phenomenon named as urban heat island effect. The studies in the literature on urban heat islands (UHIs) rarely discuss the problem with regards to landscaping materials. Although it may not seem to be as significant compared to the effect of building materials and pavements on UHIs, it is necessary to examine landscaping materials since they cover considerable amount of urban area. Defining one of the causes of UHIs as improper selections of landscaping materials, the intent of this study is to quantify the impact of various types of landscaping materials on UHIs. It is very important to evaluate and learn about the thermal impact of these materials to make intelligent design decisions that would affect environmental sustainability, micro-climate and human health. Current study investigates the thermal and optical properties of eight landscaping materials. An experimental setup was used to collect their temperature data along with solar and ambient weather data. Materials used in the experiment were selected from commonly used organic and inorganic materials to question chemical composition besides the differences in optical and thermal properties. In addition to those common use landscape materials (landscaping rock and rubber mulch), the impact of crushed lightweight concrete is assessed as a potential reuse material for landscaping. The paper discusses the preliminary findings of the ongoing study using statistical analyses.