Outdoor thermal comfort in a hot and humid climate of Colombia: A field study in Barranquilla

We carried out a thermal comfort survey in a hot and humid climate in Barranquilla, Colombia. Measures of climatic conditions and parallel thermal sensation questionnaires were used in order to increase knowledge about thermal sensation in tropical climates. We used the ASHRAE sensorial scale of seven symmetrical points to evaluate sensation; we also asked about agreement preference. The survey was focused on pedestrians in five different zones of Barranquilla established through the Local Climate Zone System. Results show a high tolerance to high temperature and relative humidity. The mean thermal sensation votes for the whole sample was 0 = neutral; people felt satisfied but they preferred cooler temperatures. Thus, expectation and memory are other factors that influence perception. Also, the survey reveals that climate conditions are not enough to explain thermal sensation. Overall, air temperature, solar radiation and wind speed are the most influential parameters on thermal sensation. The results of the study contribute to knowledge about thermal comfort in tropical climates and encourage planners to include climate considerations into urban planning in order to improve the quality of thermal ambiance.