An evaluation of seasonal patterns of thermal conditions inside a vegetated courtyard area of a Mediterranean city (Athens)

Copyright © NCEUB 2017. In this study the microclimatic conditions of a vegetated courtyard located in an urban cluster of the city of Athens were measured and evaluated on a seasonal basis. The analysis is based on seasonal patterns of rates of change in air temperature (∆Ta/∆t) along with the use of pirate plots. Continuous measurements of air temperature were carried out in totally four different design/configurations inside the area during a time period longer than two years under both cool and warm conditions. Hourly values of ∆Ta/∆t were used integrated into pirate plots. Results under the cool conditions reveal slightly and moderately higher heating ability compared to cooling which is more evident for the unobstructed site whereas the opposite occurs for most sites during the diurnal warm period. High range of ΔTa/Δt at the shaded locations is shown mainly for the warm period whereas the mostly shaded site shows minimum range and high “buffering potential” for both periods on a daily basis. The implications of the study\u27s results for Athens are mainly associated with propositions to have residential buildings with backyard vegetated areas to moderate the extremely high or low air temperature values with the potential to ameliorate, to a certain degree, comfort conditions of occupants