Effects of high-rise developments on a microclimate

This paper assesses the implications of urban form, especially in high-rise development, referencing a newly developed business district called Maslak, home to many high-rise buildings in Istanbul. Computational fluid dynamic modeling of the district was carried out to identify the existing microclimate. Factors were identified which dominate the microclimate of a city; those considered in this study are: climate data including: ambient temperature, humidity, degree days and sun hours; and building characteristics, including: the building area and volume, the street orientation, street width, city mass distribution, impact of shadow, heat generated by solar and contribution of vegetation. Two configurations were simulated - existing and recommended - which demonstrated better air movement was achievable. This change reduced the heat island effect and energy demand of the urban area.