Effect Of Wind Corridors On Thermal Comfort in Urban And Rural Settlement Areas

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to investigate the impact of pedestrian-level wind speed on thermal comfort in urban and rural areas with high elevation and distinct climatic and topographic characteristics. Materials and Methods: Hourly meteorological data from the districts of Çaldıran, Muradiye, and Erciş in Van Province were used for the period 2018–2023. Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) values were calculated using RayMan Pro 2.1 software. Relationships between PET and meteorological variables were evaluated using Multiple Linear Regression and Pearson Correlation analyses, and the results were visualized using maps. Results: While the average maximum temperature is experienced in Muradiye in July with 37.8ºC, the lowest temperature is experienced in Çaldıran with-9.5ºC, and the monthly average wind values are found to be the highest in Çaldıran with a long-term average of 0.3-0.8 m/s, in Muradiye it is between 0.3-0.6 m/s, and in Erciş it is 0.1 m/s every month. Conclusion: Thermal comfort dynamics differ between urban and rural areas. Therefore, microclimatic design and wind corridor planning should be adapted to the settlement type. © 2025, Ege Universitesi. All rights reserved.