Urban design morphology and thermal performance

Climate specialists provide us today with much data on urban climatology; but it is urban design professionals who need to apply and translate this data into a design tool. This paper summarizes an urban design view of the relationship between urban design morphology and the thermal performance of the city. Its message is that each climatic region necessitates a distinct urban form and configuration which can contribute to make a city or neighborhood cooler or warmer, as is needed. It is the urban designer's responsibility to provide these forms based on the study of the character of the local climate.