Impact of Urban Morphology on Microclimate and Thermal Comfort in Arid Cities: A Comparative Study and Modeling in Béchar

Urban morphology plays a decisive role in regulating microclimate and outdoor thermal comfort in arid cities, where extreme heat and intense solar radiation amplify thermal stress. This study examines the influence of four contrasting urban fabrics in Béchar (Algerian Sahara): the vernacular Ksar, the regular-grid colonial fabric, a modern large-scale residential estate, and low-density detached housing, on local microclimatic conditions. An integrated methodological framework is adopted, combining qualitative morphological analysis, quantitative indicators including density, porosity, height-to-width ratio, and sky view factor, in situ microclimatic measurements, and high-resolution ENVI-met simulations performed for the hottest summer day. Results show that compact urban forms, characterized by low sky view factor values, markedly reduce radiative exposure and improve thermal performance. The vernacular Ksar, exhibiting the lowest SVF, records the lowest mean radiant temperature (approximately 45 °C) and the most favorable average comfort conditions (PMV = 3.77; UTCI = 38.37 °C), representing a reduction of about 3 °C, while its high-thermal-inertia earthen materials ensure effective nocturnal thermal recovery (PMV ≈ 1.06; UTCI = 27.8 °C at 06:00). In contrast, more open modern fabrics, including the colonial grid, large-scale estates, and low-density housing, experience higher thermal stress, reflecting vulnerability to solar exposure and limited thermal inertia. Validation against field measurements confirms model reliability. These findings highlight the continued relevance of vernacular bioclimatic principles for sustainable urban design in arid climates.