Evaluating the Efficiency of Materials and Vegetation in Enhancing Outdoor Thermal Comfort in Urban Areas of Hot and Arid Climates

Neighborhood parks in urban areas not only provide vital environmental and social functions but also serve as key microclimatic modifiers, especially in hot and arid climates. The design and material composition of these parks, including native vegetation and construction materials, can significantly influence outdoor thermal comfort and mitigate urban heat island effects. However, limited research has addressed the combined seasonal impact of these local elements on thermal comfort. This study investigated outdoor thermal conditions in Amirabad Shahreza Park, Isfahan, during the summer and winter. A mixed-method approach was employed, starting with on-site measurements of air temperature, humidity, and wind speed, followed by a questionnaire survey to assess residents’ thermal comfort preferences. Taghvaei’s fundamental values and factors of landscape model was utilized for qualitative assessment, while ENVI-met simulations (Version 5.0.3) were conducted to evaluate the impacts of materials, vegetation, and water bodies under contrasting seasonal scenarios. The findings highlight the critical role of integrating climate-responsive elements in urban park design. This research offers comprehensive insights into improving outdoor thermal comfort and contributes to evidence-based recommendations for creating more sustainable and livable urban environments in hot and arid climates.