Microclimate-aware urban planning in tropical climates: A review.

Abstract

Rapid urbanization has adversely affected urban microclimates, especially in tropical regions, where high temperatures, humidity, and seasonal monsoon patterns exacerbate environmental degradation. In tropical urban environments, replacing natural landscapes with man-made structures during urbanisation alters microclimatic parameters such as air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed. These microclimatic changes cause negative impacts on urban areas, such as leading to thermal discomfort and increased energy demand. Despite these risks, economic interests often take precedence because in tropical climates, urban planning lacks the necessary regulatory frameworks and microclimatic awareness to prioritize sustainability by addressing the localised characteristics. Therefore, the present research aims to develop a comprehensive framework that promotes microclimate-aware urban planning in tropical climates. Initially, a background study was conducted to establish a clear research problem, aim, and objectives. This was followed by a comprehensive literature review to identify key relationships between microclimate, urban planning, and urban design strategies. To further refine these concepts, a bibliometric analysis was executed using VOSviewer software. Through the comprehensive literature review, this study identifies the linkage between urban design strategies, their key mitigation mechanisms, the negative impacts of urbanisation, and broader negative consequences for the overall tropical urban environment. By linking urban design strategies such as nature-based solutions, sustainable materials, and building morphology to specific environmental outcomes, the developed framework provides a clear pathway for utilising passive and bioclimatic urban design strategies to improve the quality of life in tropical cities. The developed framework serves as a foundational tool for initiating these essential planning interventions.