Urban microclimates cannot be explained solely on the basis of scientific phenomena, but are also affected materially and spatially by the city’s local architecture. The layout, design, and facade construction of buildings have a major impact on wind and temperature conditions. For this reason, architecture and urban design that have an effect on microclimates must be investigated in their social and cultural contexts.

The publication uses international case studies to explain these relationships. The focus is on manifestations of urban microclimates in an architectural and urban design context. The places investigated are located in France, Italy, the USA, New Zealand, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Burkina Faso.

• Contents 6
• Microclimates and the City 13
• Between Laboratory and Sea Ranch 27
• Citizens and Climate 45
• Indoor Urbanism 65
• Public Microclimates 83
• Thermal Sensations 103
• Thermal Layers 121
• Building a Brazilian Climate 135
• Heating and Cooling the Desert 153
• References 175
• Contributors 185
• Acknowledgments 188
• Illustration Credits 189
• Subject Index 192