Optimizing Urban Morphology for Outdoor Thermal Comfort Through Green Building Strategies : A Case of Jaisalmer

Recent developments in Jaisalmer deviate from traditional design approaches, resulting in limited outdoor usage. This study investigates optimal urban morphology by examining various building typologies, heights, and orientations to enhance thermal comfort. Four typologies: linear (II-shaped), two-sided enclosed (L-shaped), three-sided enclosed (C-shaped), and courtyard type (O-shaped), common in Jaisalmer were analyzed. Eight orientations (cardinal and inter cardinal directions) and four building heights (3m, 6m, 9m, and 12m) were simulated using ENVI-met 5.2.0. On-site measurements conducted in June 2024 validated the simulation results for 6m-high configurations. The findings revealed a slight variation in air temperature (Ta) across forms but significant differences in wind velocity (Va). II-shaped typology exhibited the highest Va but also the most critical thermal conditions, with peak mean radiant temperature (Tmrt) and Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) during afternoon hours. As the number of enclosures increased, thermal comfort improved due to reduced wind speed and better shading. Among orientations, C-shaped typologies performed best when east-facing, while southeast-facing configurations exhibited the poorest comfort levels. O-shaped forms favored cardinal orientations over diagonal ones, with marginal differences in Tmrt and PET. L-shaped forms showed better performance in northern and north-east orientations, whereas II-shaped forms were more effective in north-south alignments. Height demonstrated a strong negative correlation with thermal parameters, with taller structures achieving better comfort due to higher height-to-width (H/W) ratios. Consequently, integrating higher H/W ratios, cardinal orientation, and increased enclosures is recommended for improved outdoor thermal comfort. Future research could explore more green building strategies including seasonal variations and the integration of vegetation and advanced materials to optimize thermal performance further.