"The Impact Of Local Microclimate On Urban Spaces (Streets) In Arid Regions: The Case Of Béchar City"

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of local microclimate on outdoor thermal comfort in urban spaces within arid environments, taking Toumi Tayeb Street in the city of Béchar as a case study. Situated within the broader discourse of urban climate adaptation, the research addresses the increasing challenges posed by rising temperatures and climate-incompatible urban expansion in desert cities. Using the ENVI-met simulation tool, three urban design scenarios were developed: one with no vegetation, another with sparsely spaced trees, and a third featuring densely planted Ficus nitida trees combined with a basic irrigation system. Climatic indicators such as potential air temperature, relative humidity, and the Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) were used to evaluate thermal performance. The findings reveal that the third scenario significantly enhances thermal comfort, with air temperatures reduced by up to 2°C, relative humidity increased by approximately 10%, and PET values lowered by 5 to 7°C. These results underscore the importance of climate-responsive design—particularly the strategic use of vegetation and moisture management—as a viable solution for mitigating urban heat stress. The study ultimately affirms that incorporating microclimate considerations into urban and street design is not merely beneficial, but essential for ensuring thermal resilience and livability in desert cities.