Urban settings, socioeconomic factors and thermal comfort in São José Do Rio Preto, SP

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between environmental comfort and urban socio-spatial settings in the city of São José do Rio Preto. The method consists of the analysis and thermal characterization of four urban areas in the city: two in areas characterized by high building standards and two in areas of special social interest. Campaigns to collect data on temperature and air humidity were carried out simultaneously, using reports from passersby about their perception and satisfaction with the thermal environment. The Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) climatic index was calculated, and reports on perception and satisfaction with the thermal environment were statistically analyzed in terms of the physical characteristics of the adopted urban areas. The contributions may lead to reflections on possible relationships between socioeconomic factors and urban thermal comfort conditions. Questions related to the Sky View Factor, the direction and speed of the wind, and the availability of outdoor areas are decisive for the variation of PET and user satisfaction reports on the thermal environment in the four urban areas. The analysis and discussion of this study reaffirmed the importance of considering climate issues in urban planning. To achieve this, the aim is to contribute with analyses that can help formulate proposals for future improvements.