In Search of Thermal Comfort: Forgotten Design and Planning Principles for Cities

V. INTERNATIONAL ARCHITECTURAL SCIENCES CONGRESS, Antalya, Türkiye, 29 - 31 Ekim 2025, ss.507-518, (Tam Metin Bildiri)

With rapid urbanization, building density has increased, reducing open and green spaces and natural habitats.

Although urbanization offers diverse employment, transportation, and social opportunities, it has also led to

declining thermal comfort due to urban heat islands and extreme weather events, negatively affecting urban quality

of life. Since thermal comfort is closely linked to well-being, studies focusing on mitigating the urban heat island

effect and enhancing thermal comfort have gained growing attention.

This study reviews recent research on thermal comfort across various climate zones and analyzes the design and

planning decisions that influence it. Findings indicate that key strategies such as providing shading, considering

wind direction, selecting appropriate surface materials, and integrating water elements are essential for achieving

outdoor thermal comfort. However, despite their long-standing recognition, these principles are often neglected

in modern urban design. Therefore, this study highlights the need to revisit and integrate these fundamental yet

overlooked design principles to promote thermally comfortable and sustainable urban environments.