Application of microclimatic landscape design in schoolyards in Greece

Abstract

In Greece schoolyards are usually sited in highly populated urban areas and they are covered mainly by impervious materials (i.e., cement, asphalt, etc.). Green spaces and trees are rare and they are limited in boundary areas, while sport elements (i.e., goalposts and basket or volley ball structures) are placed in such way that prevent other activities. In the present paper, in a typical conventional schoolyard of the city of Nea Ionia, Volos, spatial variation of thermal comfort was mapped using on-site measured microclimatic variables (air temperature, wind speed, air humidity and radiative fluxes) for the calculation of the thermophysiological index PET (Physiological Equivalent Temperature), and shaded or exposed to sun surface material temperatures where monitored using infrared reflection. Additionally children's behavior in the schoolyard was mapped using photographic and video techniques. Using GIS, the resulted microclimatic and behavioral maps were combined and alternative solutions of landscape design of the site were created in order to improve the outdoor thermal conditions based on research results. These proposals were also characterized by the objectives to incorporate the school's community opinions (participatory design process) regarding the characteristics of the schoolyard and to combine maximum positive effects from vegetation with minimum required cost. After application of the recommendations, the schoolyard will be evaluated through new measurements of microclimate variables and pupils use.