A Comparative Analysis of the Thermal Comfort Index (PMV) for Women in Historical Neighborhoods, Case Study: The Center of Sheikhdad and Shesh-Badgir Neighborhoods in Yazd City

Montazerolhodjah, Mahdi; Akhavan, Fatemeh; Chaeichi, Setareh

doi:10.48311/udd.2025.27801

A Comparative Analysis of the Thermal Comfort Index (PMV) for Women in Historical Neighborhoods, Case Study: The Center of Sheikhdad and Shesh-Badgir Neighborhoods in Yazd City

Document Type : Original Research

Authors

Mahdi Montazerolhodjah

Fatemeh Akhavan

Setareh Chaeichi

Urbanism Department, Yazd University

10.48311/udd.2025.27801

Abstract

In today's urban design, it is crucial to consider the climatic conditions and thermal comfort of users in open spaces. The city's thermal conditions and microclimate significantly impact citizens' health and comfort, influencing their mental and physical performance. Women's usage of urban spaces differs from men's due to their heightened sensitivity to environmental conditions. Understanding the needs and conditions of women's presence in urban spaces is essential for sustainable design and construction. This research aims to compare the thermal comfort of women in Yazd's historical neighborhoods based on the PMV index. By employing a combined quantitative and qualitative approach and software analysis (Basic ENVI-met 5.6), the study compared the thermal comfort index (PMV) of women in these neighborhoods. The findings suggest that implementing suitable vegetation and shading with high crown density, creating sectional vegetation in various locations, using canvas materials on the floor and walls, and incorporating bright colors can make a highly favorable thermal comfort environment for pedestrians, even in the winter season.

Keywords

Women

Thermal comfort

ENVI-met

Historical fabric

Yazd city