Investigation of the Thermal Performance of Urban Configurations in the Mediterranean Climate of the Gaza Strip.

Abstract

This paper studies the thermal performance of different urban configurations of the housing complexes located in the Mediterranean climate of the Gaza Strip. The research is carried out using the computer programs ECOTECT and IES. The results indicate significant thermal effects due to the urban configurations. The paper concluded that the high site coverage and plot ratio are advisable from the thermal point of view. Buildings in the high plot ratio have a better thermal response in the summer periods with a more reasonable difference in the ground and middle floors. Therefore, Buildings' proportions have to be determined with a full understanding to their relations with the urban morphology. It is also recommended to utilize the advantages of the mutual vertical arrangements of building in achieving shading on the roof and building's façades by using different heights of buildings.