Nature-Based Design for Enhancing Senior Citizens’ Outdoor Thermal Comfort in High-Density Mediterranean Cities: ENVI-Met Findings

This study utilizes ENVI-met simulations to examine the effectiveness of nature-based urban design strategies in enhancing outdoor thermal comfort for senior citizens during Mediterranean heat waves. The research focuses on a high-density, post-refugee neighborhood in Greater Athens, assessing both baseline and optimized urban scenarios featuring mature trees and water elements. Simulations conducted on July 23, 2023—the hottest recorded day of the year—demonstrate substantial reductions in Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (PET), with improvements ranging from 11.17 K to 22.45 K in the morning, 2.17 K to 14.55 K in the afternoon, and 0.56 K to 4.78 K in the evening. Furthermore, dynamic comfort analysis reveals a reduction in energy balance of up to 191.92 W during peak heat hours, alleviating thermal strain on elderly individuals. These findings highlight the pivotal role of shading and evaporative cooling strategies in mitigating urban heat stress, particularly for vulnerable populations. The study underscores the urgency of integrating climate-responsive urban interventions into policy frameworks to enhance resilience against extreme heat events.