Decoding Outdoor Thermal Comfort: Multi-scale Passive Strategies Simulation for Thermal Resilient Cities

Victoria López Cabeza

University of Sevilla 

Abstract

This session presents a multi-scale research framework developed by the SATH group at the University of Seville to evaluate heat and passive cooling strategies across four urban scales: city-wide, neighborhood, public plazas, and outdoor spaces in buildings, in the Mediterranean climate. By integrating empirical observation (satellite teledetection, UAV thermal mapping, mobile and fixed sensing) with advanced simulation workflows (ENVI-met and Ladybug Tools among others), we establish a validated methodology for assessing and optimizing microclimates. Results highlight a critical transscalar interdependence and confirm that solar shading is the most effective passive strategy to mitigate pedestrian heat stress, while vegetation and cooling pavements have more limited benefits. This work also addresses the main challenges for future research on this topic. 

Biography

Victoria Patricia López Cabeza is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Design Engineering at the University of Seville. She holds a degree in Architecture from the University of Seville (2015) and a Master in Design Studies specializing in Energy and Environment from Harvard University (2020). Her research focuses on building and urban energy performance, microclimate simulation optimization, and outdoor thermal comfort. Her work bridges the thermodynamic behavior of transitional spaces (such as courtyards in Mediterranean climates) with large-scale urban environmental performance.