Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect has become a significant environmental issue in city centers due to rapid urbanization and climate change. Green infrastructure has emerged as a promising solution to mitigate the impact of UHI by incorporating natural elements into urban planning and design. This thesis investigates the impact of green infrastructure on reducing the UHI effect in city centers. The study aims to contribute to the existing knowledge by providing empirical evidence on the effectiveness of green infrastructure in mitigating UHI and improving urban microclimates. The research methodology involves a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative analysis and qualitative assessment. A comprehensive literature review is conducted to explore the concepts of UHI, green infrastructure, and their interplay in urban settings. The study also includes a case study analysis of selected city centers to assess the implementation and effectiveness of green infrastructure in reducing UHI. The findings reveal that green infrastructure plays a crucial role in reducing the UHI effect by providing shading, cooling, and evapotranspiration benefits. The study identifies specific types of green infrastructure, such as green roofs, urban forests, and green walls, that have a significant impact on mitigating UHI in city centers. Furthermore, the research highlights the importance of strategic planning and design considerations in maximizing the effectiveness of green infrastructure interventions. The discussion of findings emphasizes the need for integrated approaches that combine green infrastructure with traditional urban planning strategies to create sustainable and resilient city centers. The study also addresses the challenges and limitations associated with the implementation of green infrastructure, such as maintenance costs, land availability, and community engagement. In conclusion, this thesis underscores the significance of green infrastructure as a sustainable solution for mitigating the UHI effect in city centers. The research findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on urban sustainability and climate resilience. Recommendations are provided for policymakers, urban planners, and designers to incorporate green infrastructure as a key element in future urban development projects to create healthier and more livable city environments.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Assessing the Impact of Green Infrastructure on Urban Heat Island Effect in City Centers" aims to investigate and evaluate the effectiveness of green infrastructure in mitigating the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect within city centers. Urban Heat Islands refer to areas within urban environments that experience significantly higher temperatures compared to their rural surroundings due to human activities and built environments. Green infrastructure, such as parks, green roofs, and urban forests, has been suggested as a sustainable solution to reduce the UHI effect by providing shade, evaporative cooling, and overall cooling effects through vegetation. The research will commence with a comprehensive literature review to establish the current understanding of UHI effect, green infrastructure, and their interrelationship. This will include exploring studies on the impact of green infrastructure on urban microclimates, temperature moderation, and energy consumption within city centers. The literature review will also examine existing methodologies used to assess UHI effect and the effectiveness of green infrastructure interventions. Following the literature review, the research methodology will be outlined, detailing the data collection methods, analytical techniques, and tools utilized to assess the impact of green infrastructure on UHI effect. This will involve field measurements of temperature variations, land cover analysis, and modeling techniques to simulate the cooling effects of green infrastructure in city centers. The subsequent chapter will present the findings of the study, including the quantitative and qualitative analysis of data collected. The discussion will focus on the observed changes in temperature patterns, the spatial distribution of green infrastructure, and its influence on the UHI effect. The findings will be critically evaluated in the context of existing literature and urban planning practices to determine the significance and implications of green infrastructure in mitigating UHI effect in city centers. Finally, the concluding chapter will summarize the key findings of the research, highlighting the effectiveness of green infrastructure in reducing the UHI effect and its implications for urban planning strategies. Recommendations for policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders will be provided based on the research outcomes, emphasizing the importance of integrating green infrastructure into urban development plans to create sustainable and resilient city centers. Overall, this research project seeks to contribute valuable insights into the role of green infrastructure in addressing the challenges posed by the UHI effect in urban environments. By assessing the impact of green infrastructure on urban microclimates, this study aims to inform evidence-based decision-making processes and promote the implementation of sustainable urban planning practices to enhance the quality of life and environmental sustainability in city centers."