COMFORTABLE

Optimise the spatial configuration to promote natural ventilation.

• Environmental modelling and simulation could provide advice on the spatial configuration and calibrate the location and orientation of built structures for optimal environmental performance.

Consider both the quality and quantity of shelters.

• Consider special materials, such as heat-reflective paint and specially-coated glass that could reflect or absorb heat, for shelter design to maintain a comfortable temperature for users. You may find it helpful to use Design Thinking Tool “Observation” to understand the current usage of shelters.
• Vegetation can be integrated with shelter design to lower ambient temperature by providing shade and through the plants’ evapotranspiration action which absorbs heat.
• Paired with environmental sensors, thermal control technologies, such as water mist systems, can be integrated into shelter design to collect real-time environmental data useful for optimising the microclimate.

Maximise vegetation to regulate temperature.

• Vegetation can absorb heat through evapotranspiration. Therefore, structures can be equipped with vegetation, for example, green roofs and green pavers, to maintain a comfortable temperature.
• Trees with large, dense canopies (e.g. Ficus microcarpa) can be planted at key nodes to provide natural shading.
• The selection should consider the habits and attributes of plants, as well as potential hazards to users and the level of maintenance required.
• This Design Parameter may not apply to Country Parks, where unnecessary design interventions should be avoided to preserve natural habitats.

Create water features to promote cooling.

• Water mist features can be added to promote evaporative cooling.
• Water features can be designed to be safe and inviting for public use while also cooling down the ambient temperature.

Select high-albedo materials.

• Lighter colours generally absorb less solar energy than darker colours.
• Materials such as heat-reflective paint and specially-coated glass that could reflect or absorb heat could be considered in POS design to optimise the ambient temperature.

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Incorporate responsive technology to collect real-time climate data.

• Environmental sensors can be paired with thermal control technologies to ensure a desirable microclimate in response to real-time climatic change. You may find it helpful to use Design Thinking Tool “Resource Cards & Task Cards” to facilitate the innovative process of introducing a new technical expert to the team.

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