Belfast·SPG006 Tall Buildings·Page 27·5.7.3

Microclimate impact assessment and mitigation

Tall buildings must be assessed for impacts on surrounding microclimates including wind speeds, temperature, sunlight, air quality, noise and reflectivity. Microclimate studies such as wind tunnel testing and shadow analysis should be included in the contextual analysis section of the TBDS to ensure surrounding streets and spaces remain comfortable and welcoming.

Tall buildings can impact the microclimates of surrounding spaces due to their scale, height, massing, alignment and choice of materials. Conditions such as wind speeds, temperature, sunlight, air quality, noise and reflectivity, can all be significantly influenced by taller structures and therefore require careful consideration to ensure that surrounding streets and spaces are comfortable and welcoming. The impact of tall buildings on microclimates can be demonstrated through microclimate studies, such as wind tunnel testing and shadow analysis, should form part of the contextual analysis section of the TBDS.

Source — /Users/richardhill/Documents/planning-arch-project/data/documents/belfast/SPG006 Tall Buildings.pdf