Improvement of thermal performance and predicted mean vote in city districts: A case in the United Arab Emirates

Several studies have indicated that traditional architecture is known for its sustainable capability to manage climate effects, while contemporary architecture focused on style more than sustainability. This study intends to improve thermal performance and comfort in modern urban districts with reference to traditional districts in the UAE using ENVI-met software. The research methodology adopts comparative and qualitative investigations for the old and the new districts to explore their thermal performance on specific days. As per the simulation results, a reduction in the maximum outdoor temperature of approximately 1 °C was observed in the traditional area compared to the contemporary districts. The study has also integrated some traditional passive design concepts such as grass and green shading devices to the modern district to lower its outdoor temperature. This study would help architects and urban designers benefit from the concepts of vernacular urban design and integrate them into the modern urban fabric.