Building canopy model for the analysis of urban climate

The effect of a three-dimensional replacement of urban thermal environment activity is discussed on the basis of numerical simulation with a mesoscale climate model. Given a threedimensional replacement of urban activity, greater concentration decreased surface air temperatures. Such concentration is apparently effective for modifying the thermal environment during the day-time, while the reduction of energy consumption is more effective during the night-time. Through sensitivity analysis, it is shown that building width and height variations with associated drag effects modify the environment near the ground. © 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.