Urban Cool Island effect through innovative architecture and sustainable urban design

Abstract

This paper investigates the phenomenon of Urban Cool Islands (UCIs) in desert regions, focusing on highly Sustainable Design Feature (SDF) areas in Dubai and Sharjah. The research explores the role of sustainable architectural and urban design practices in mitigating the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect and fostering UCIs. The study combines remote sensing and survey data to analyze temperature variations, vegetation cover, and the influence of innovative architecture on UCIs. The results demonstrate that high SDF areas in Dubai, equipped with sustainable design elements and innovative architecture, exhibit cooler temperatures and negative UHI indices, supporting the hypothesis that sustainable practices enhance UCIs. In contrast, Sharjah's high SDF areas, despite abundant vegetation, experience higher temperatures and positive UHI indices. The study also reveals the positive impact of public awareness and education initiatives on adopting sustainable design practices. This research contributes valuable insights into the formation of UCIs in desert regions and highlights the importance of sustainable design in creating cooler, environmentally friendly urban environments. Future research directions are proposed, including expanded geographic scope, longitudinal data collection, and interdisciplinary collaboration to address the challenges of urban heat islands. The environmental and societal impact of UCIs, including improved air quality, enhanced biodiversity, energy savings, and sustainable development, underscores the significance of this research in promoting a healthier and more sustainable urban future.