Cool pavements mitigation of the urban heat island effect in Mediterranean spaces

Previous research studies have shown the correlation between highly urbanized city environments and the propagation of the urban heat island phenomenon. This is a very important phenomenon to consider because it causes effects and issues not only at the urban level but also affects human perception and health. This research focuses on the Mediterranean spaces, taking as a case study the coastal promenade of the city of Durres in Albania and the University Campus Piovego Nord in Padua, Italy. The purpose of this research is to find out how and at what extent the pavements influence the urban heat island effect at the pedestrian’s level by including climate parameters during the analysis. The study is both quantitative and qualitative, where two main methodologies are merged in terms of complexity: semi-experimental and comparative research. Some mitigation solutions would include the regeneration of urban areas by replacing existing pavements with cool pavements and integrating afterward with supplementary green spaces and trees. During the design process of new or built urban spaces, it is recommended to examine in the first place the climatic factors, considering appropriate elements during the design process and performing adequate environmental and thermographic analyses. The simulations phase is very important here because it will return both the actual conditions and those obtained as a result of the changes. To make these results valuable and reliable, it is essential that the input data included for the microclimatic analyses remain as close as possible to reality. The required input data are not only related to the materials and their main characteristics but also include the current climatic and atmospheric conditions. Through the simulations carried out within a case study, it will be possible to test surface and air temperature trends in order to see how the replacement of pavements can contribute to the contrast of the urban heat island phenomenon.