Evaluating the effects of morphological types of residential complexes on urban heat islands

The rapid growths of urban populations and increasing housing demand have made providing adequate housing a critical concern. Alongside this expansion, climate change, as a significant global challenge, has exacerbated urban heat islands (UHIs), which resulted in a range of harmful environmental effects. Therefore, the morphology of residential complexes, as essential spaces for human activities, can significantly mitigate UHIs. However, there is limited research on how different Morphological Types of Residential Complexes (MTRC) affect this phenomenon. This study aims to develop a framework for evaluating the impact of residential complex morphologies on UHIs, incorporating sustainable housing principles to find the optimal type. Several residential complexes in District 2 of Tehran were selected as case studies and categorized into four predefined morphological types. Quantitative analysis was conducted in two phases: first, the morphological types were assessed using defined indicators through the F'ANP (Factor Analysis and Analytic Network Process) method; second, UHI intensity was analyzed using satellite imagery to measure land surface temperatures over a year. Afterward, simple linear regression analysis was employed to evaluate the model's accuracy and the relationship between the dependent variable (UHI) and the independent variable (MTRC). The results indicate that town-type and then villa-type complexes are more effective in mitigating UHI compared to other types. This research provides valuable insights, including the relative importance of the defined indicators and the identified optimal morphological type of residential complexes, for urban planners and policymakers to design residential complexes that contribute to a more sustainable urban environment.