# Effects of urban street geometry and traditional kabalti passages on building surface temperature in a hot-dry climate

## TL;DR

This study examines how urban street design and traditional shaded passages affect building surface temperatures in hot, dry climates like Diyarbakır.

## Contribution

The study quantifies the thermal benefits of traditional kabalti passages and low sky view factors in reducing surface temperatures in hot-dry climates.

## Key findings

- Surface temperatures in shaded kabaltis remained around 30°C, while high SVF areas reached up to 58.8°C.
- Street geometry parameters like building height and spacing significantly influence microclimate conditions.
- Reducing SVF through design strategies can improve outdoor thermal comfort in hot climates.

## Abstract

In hot climate regions, the direct impact of solar radiation on building surfaces, including heat absorption and storage, negatively impacts outdoor comfort and the living conditions of urban residents. This study investigates the impact of urban street geometry on building surface temperatures in a hot and dry climate, focusing on the traditional Suriçi district of Diyarbakır. Measurements were conducted at 25 locations throughout the year along streets with varying sky view factor (SVF) values and within vaulted covered passages (kabaltıs). In the study, a Testo 410-2 anemometer was used to measure air temperature and a thermal camera was used to measure surface temperature. The results show smaller daily surface temperature amplitudes in regions with lower SVF values and in kabaltıs with an SVF value of 0. Measured surface temperatures reached as high as 58.8 °C at high SVF locations, while they remained around 30 °C in shaded kabaltıs. The findings indicate that street geometry parameters such as building height, spacing, and orientation significantly influence microclimate conditions. Differences of up to 15–20 °C were observed between shaded kabaltıs surface temperatures and other surface temperatures at measurement points where the SVF value was close to 1. Reducing SVF through design strategies such as the use of kabaltıs and planting trees can improve outdoor thermal comfort in hot climates.