This study analyzes the association between urban morphology, microclimate, and thermal comfort in tropical urban areas, focusing on João Pessoa, a city characterized by a hot and humid climate. The research aims to investigate how different urban configurations, considering varying degrees of verticalization and vegetation coverage, influence thermal conditions and thermal comfort in the built environment. Using computational simulation methods with the ENVI-MET software and thermal indices (PET and UTCI), the study examines three urban modification scenarios to assess the impact of population growth through vertical expansion on urban environmental quality. Climatic data obtained from meteorological stations and local measurements were used to perform computational simulations, enabling model validation with real-world data. The results indicate that verticalization significantly reduces the sky view factor (SVF), negatively affecting ventilation and increasing urban temperatures. Green spaces, however, proved effective in mitigating urban heat island effects, enhancing thermal comfort. The findings have direct implications for sustainable urban planning, emphasizing the importance of integrating green strategies, utilizing more efficient surface materials, and managing building density to improve thermal quality and public space comfort. These aspects are particularly relevant for urban policies in tropical cities, fostering more effective adaptation to climate change.
Carvalho et al. (Thu,) studied this question.
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