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Evaluating UHI Mitigation and Outdoor Comfort in a Heritage Context: A Microclimate Simulation Study of Florence’s Historic Center

Author

Listed:
  • Cecilia Ciacci

    (Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy)

  • Neri Banti

    (Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy)

  • Vincenzo Di Naso

    (Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy)

  • Frida Bazzocchi

    (Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy)

Abstract

This paper evaluates Urban Heat Island (UHI) mitigation strategies in Florence’s historical centre, characterized by relevant cultural heritage value and significant tourist fluxes but increasingly susceptible to heatwaves. The research work focused on the evaluation of both current microclimate conditions and mitigation solutions for UHI-related issues, using ENVI-met microclimate modelling software as a simulation tool. Different models, featuring a 2 m grid resolution and detailed material properties, were produced to assess outdoor air temperature (Ta), mean radiant temperature (MRT), and Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), chosen as reference parameters for human thermal sensation. Diversified conditions induced by the peculiarities of the urban layout were highlighted, with current Ta up to 32 °C and MRT exceeding 55 °C in paved open areas. Site-specific measures and their expected effectiveness were hence analyzed. De-paving and greening yield modest local cooling (Ta reduction up to −0.25 °C, MRT up to −1.75 °C), while tree installation ensures that MRT decreases by −7.50 °C to −12.00 °C. Most effectively, suspended shading fabrics preventing direct radiation can act on Ta (−0.09 °C to −0.25 °C) and provide substantial MRT reductions (−7.50 °C to −17.00 °C), significantly improving thermal comfort. The findings emphasize the potentialities of site-specific, reversible interventions in historic centres to combine climate adaptation and heritage preservation.

Suggested Citation

  • Cecilia Ciacci & Neri Banti & Vincenzo Di Naso & Frida Bazzocchi, 2025. "Evaluating UHI Mitigation and Outdoor Comfort in a Heritage Context: A Microclimate Simulation Study of Florence’s Historic Center," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-23, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:19:p:8760-:d:1761274
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stergios Koutsanitis & Maria Sinou & Zoe Kanetaki & Evgenia Tousi & George Varelidis, 2025. "Thermal Performance Investigation in Historical Urban Neighborhoods Using ENVI-Met Simulation Software," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-33, January.
    2. Pinar Mert Cuce & Erdem Cuce & Mattheos Santamouris, 2025. "Towards Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Cities: Mitigating Urban Heat Islands Through Green Infrastructure," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-23, February.
    3. Meng, Fanchao & Zhang, Lei & Ren, Guoyu & Zhang, Ruixue, 2023. "Impacts of UHI on variations in cooling loads in buildings during heatwaves: A case study of Beijing and Tianjin, China," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 273(C).
    4. José F. León-Cruz & Christoph Neger & Stefan Gössling, 2025. "Extreme weather risks for tourism in the European Union," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 121(15), pages 18275-18294, August.
    5. Zheng, Tianhong & Qu, Ke & Darkwa, Jo & Calautit, John Kaiser, 2022. "Evaluating urban heat island mitigation strategies for a subtropical city centre (a case study in Osaka, Japan)," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 250(C).
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