Experimental work and analysis of confined urban spaces

One of the objectives in the urban layout of some neighbourhoods in souther n European cities was the improvement of the extreme conditions, which take place during the summer. These improvements are applicable for both privat e spaces (building, houses, private atrium, etc.) and public spaces (street s, open courtyards, squares, etc.), that are so important to the typical li festyle in these latitudes. Confining and reducing dimensions of the street s is very important in the final thermal behaviour of these spaces. Some ty pical urban configurations reduce solar radiation (direct and diffuse) over these areas and modify the air flow patterns. The Santa Cruz district in S eville is included in this kind of space. Experimental work and simulations have been performed. Coupling the results from both studies, thermal behav iour of these spaces can be understood, and the so-called 'Oasis effect' pr esent during the hottest hours of the day, can be explained. (C) 2001 Elsev ier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.