Análisis del microclima y confort urbano para el espacio público en los parques del área metropolitana de Bucaramanga

Abstract

The accelerated urban growth in intermediate cities across Latin America has intensified environmental issues related to thermal comfort and the quality of public spaces. In this context, urban parks play a fundamental role as microclimatic regulators and social gathering areas that contribute to sustainability and urban quality of life. This research aims to evaluate thermal comfort in local-scale urban parks within the Metropolitan Area of Bucaramanga through climatic and microclimatic analysis of meteorological variables such as air temperature, relative humidity, and solar radiation, as well as their integration with radiant temperature, reflected radiation, and the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). The study utilized hourly data from the Hydroclimatological Network of the Regional Autonomous Corporation for the Defense of the Bucaramanga Plateau (CDMB) over a five-year period, using stations located in three municipalities of the metropolitan area. The analysis focused on identifying critical thermal scenarios that affect users in public spaces by examining maximum values of climatic variables. In addition, a theoretical and conceptual framework was established, integrating approaches from bioclimatic urbanism, outdoor thermal comfort, and urban climate management. Through the use of dynamic simulation software, it was possible to assess current microclimatic conditions in the case studies and evaluate the effects of proposed design strategies. Among the benefits of these digital tools is the ability to model multiple scenarios and compare outcomes to determine the most efficient strategies for improving urban thermal performance.