Changes in architecture could allow UAE residents to spend up to eight months of the year feeling comfortable while outside, an expert said.
Kishore Varanasi, director of urban design at US-based CBT Architects, says elements such as green walls, channels that create breezes and shading will help to reduce heating effects.
Mr Varanasi, who has completed work in Masdar City and whose designs have won awards in the Abu Dhabi Climate Resilience Initiative, said planners should focus on making the coolest two thirds of the year as pleasant as possible for residents.
While in the hottest months being outside for long periods is difficult regardless of the design of outdoor spaces, he said work to reduce heating could extend the period people spend outdoors by a month or two each year.
"It's really unbearable for three or four months," he said of UAE temperatures. "For six months, it's not that bad. And there are a couple of shorter months [that could be made comfortable].
While periods such as late September and early October, and late April and early May, might be considered too hot and humid, Mr Varanasi believes these "shoulder" periods can be made more comfortable.
“Should we take a different approach and focus on the eight months – late September, October to March, April, early May? If we reset the design methodology we can increase the outdoor months. That was one thing we’ve focused on – thinking about the time of use,” he said.
Mr Varanasi used this design approach when creating several outdoor spaces for the Abu Dhabi Climate Resilience Initiative several years ago.
An image of outdoor spaces designed by CBT A
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