Application of "cool canopy" for outdoor thermal comfort

The microclimate in outdoor urban spaces has direct implications on the comfort of the people using them. By appropriate design of outdoor spaces, the surface temperatures of various surfaces can be lowered which in turn would modify the microclimate and usage of such spaces. Past research have shown that integrating the process of evapotranspiration into canopy structures (Cool Canopy) lowers the surface temperatures by 20°F, in comparison to conventional canopies [1]. Thus shading a space with a "Cool Canopy" would allow as little heat as possible to radiate down, thereby acting as an effective shading device. Further modification of the space can be achieved by vegetation and proper design of the built elements. Our study concentrates on assessing the effect of vegetation and "Cool Canopy" on the microclimate modification of outdoor spaces in hot dry climates. Results from the study would help evaluate the applicability of such canopy structures in providing thermal comfort in outdoor spaces like bus stops, courtyards and pedestrian ways in such climates.