Project: Urban Comfort Lab
In urban design, outdoor comfort is closely tied to the overall sensory perception, or sensescape, of a space, which can be understood through both human experience and physical measurements. From a physical perspective, outdoor comfort emerges from the interaction of environmental factors such as sound, airflow, climate, and smell. These factors are shaped by location-specific conditions, with spatial morphology influencing environmental performance and, consequently, physical comfort. Urban areas located near airports and flight paths exhibit a distinctive sensescape defined by the visual presence and audibility of aircraft. The visual and auditory evaluation of these areas is further complemented, and potentially modified, by non-aviation environmental factors, including temperature, humidity, and wind patterns. However, the extent to which urban form and landscape design influence the soundscape and broader sensescape in such contexts remains insufficiently understood. In short, the project focuses on examining synergies and conflicts of spatial morphologies or interventions to improve urban comfort and liveability, and developing design assessment methods.
“At AMS Institute, the people, the wonderful location, and the close ties between the city, enterprises, and academia lead to action-oriented projects that solve real problems.”