UHI effect and lack of government policies
FC-02x Livable Future Cities (1st Run) - Compulsory Exercise 2
Uploaded on 2015-11-06 by DaveLicerio
I can cite one particular city corridor in the place where I came from, Manila. The central arterial road of Edsa that transports majority of the residents can be very hot on summers, or during the middle of the day in most of the year. Its a 5-lane road both directions in major parts of its entire length, with a metro that runs along the center. This road serves a large volume of public vehicles, picking up scattered passengers along the way. In the hottest days of the year, the stretch along this road is very uncomfortable and can be too hazardous for people who wait along the sidewalks and for traffic officers who man the traffic. Its very noticeable that in this picture that I borrowed from the Internet, theres barely natural shades or vegetation along the sidewalks that could contribute to the reduction of microtemperatures. Its all concrete and steel, and the vehicular exhausts worsen the heat. Its effect extends to the health of the riding populace, the unproductivity resulting to health hazards, car cooling at increased levels, and arrested administration as the foot police or authorities usually wait until the weather becomes bearable to proceed with their duties. ![enter image description here][1] In contrast, the urban outskirts is more comfortable as you can see from the number of greens and open spaces, scattered buildings, less density, and thus minor contributors to UHI. ![enter image description here][1] Which are the Normal measures you would propose? The key is to implement livability and mobility principles at the planning level.Any project will have to follow these principles, and when it becomes procedural, places with trees and green spaces, shaded sidewalks, planted medians, permeable sidewalks, open spaces between buildings, ..all these will lessen the UHI. However, these are mostly implemented in private developments and townships as these adds value to the place. The government is yet to be consistent with providing sustainable and livability opportunities for the people due to low standards and misdirected priorities.. Is UHI effect concerning policy making in your area? There are sustainability policies and climate risk reductions but in terms of city and urban planning, there is really no overarching policy on heat islands effect. It is really a prerogative of developers to provide parks and green space in their developments , and create quality, high-standards design of pedestrian spaces as this adds value to the tenants. The effect of such private initiatives is that it becomes a choice of destination for people being a safe, comfortable place to move around. [1]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/1446848144360411.jpg