The Role of Small Public Green Spaces in Regulating Urban Microclimate: Insights from Bucharest
摘要
Urbanization and climate change have exacerbated the urban heat island (UHI) effect, prompting an urgent need for sustainable, space-efficient cooling solutions. This study investigates the role of small public urban green spaces (SPUGS) in regulating urban microclimates, particularly within Bucharest’s densely populated neighborhoods. Although extensive research has focused on large green spaces, SPUGS may offer a viable alternative, especially in cities where large green areas are scarce. This research hypothesizes that SPUGS significantly impact temperature regulation, providing a cumulative cooling effect within urban fabrics. Using a UAV equipped with temperature data loggers, vertical and horizontal air temperature measurements were recorded across a designated neighborhood in Bucharest. Temperature data was collected at multiple altitudinal thresholds, revealing significant temperature reductions around green spaces, particularly at ground level and just above tree canopies. Spatial interpolation and correlation analyses showed a strong negative relationship between vegetation coverage and temperature variance, confirming that higher vegetation density corresponds to lower temperature differentials. These findings highlight the utility of SPUGS in urban planning for their cooling potential, ease of implementation, and ability to enhance microclimatic resilience.