The effect of sub-climatic characteristics on urban behavior patterns based on two case studies: Yazd (hot and arid climate) and Fooman (moderate and humid climate) urban spaces
Abstract Severe climatic conditions are considered as one of the main factors shaping and in some cases limiting urban behaviors. Accordingly, environmental designers seek to make urban spaces usable for a wide range of behaviors during different times by bringing sub-climates closer to the comfort zone. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of sub-climate on behavioral patterns and explore solutions to moderate harsh climatic conditions in architecture and urban planning. This study compared the behavioral patterns of space users in hot and arid (Yazd) and moderate and humid (Fooman) climates. The recording of behavioral patterns was achieved by using the observation method (time-lapse photography) and analysis through the spatial analysis method. Based on the results, climatic characteristics affect both types of urban activities and the time cycles of their occurrence. Severe climatic conditions limit urban behaviors to essential activities and merely transcend space. Such states do not allow for a wide range of optional and social activities. Spatial physical tools such as building density, enclosure, occupancy level, amount of retreat on the ground floor and upper floors, type of building material, and the amount of green space have been used in historical formal-spatial patterns of Iran to moderate the harsh climatic conditions.