Jerome A. Aclan BSAR-2B Nov.

23, 2022

Assignment no. 2

Research

What is Urban Heat Island?

A large city that is substantially warmer than the surrounding area. The air in many
American cities can be up to 10°F (5.6°C) warmer than the natural land cover. When winds are
feeble, this temperature differential is typically greater at night than during the day, greater in
winter than in summer, and is most noticeable. The biggest contributors are waste heat produced
by energy consumption and changes in the ground surface brought on by urban growth.
Population centers tend to alter larger regions of land as they expand, which causes an increase
in the global mean temperature.

How do Heat Islands form?

Heat islands develop as asphalt and concrete replace vegetation for roads, buildings, and
other infrastructure required to support expanding populations. Surface temperatures and general
ambient temperatures rise as a result of these surfaces absorbing heat from the sun rather than
reflecting it.

EXAMPLES:

METRO MANILA, PHILIPPINES

Nivagine Nievares, a weather specialist at the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and

Astronomical Services Administration, conducted a study that found that urbanization had
changed the thermal balance in Metro Manila, causing a felt temperature increase of 1 to 2
degrees Celsius (Pagasa).

NEW YORK CITY

An urban heat island is a built-up area where the temperature is higher than the
surrounding rural areas. Downtown New York City fits this description. The Environmental
Protection Agency estimates that a city with 1 million inhabitants may have an annual air
temperature that is 1.8 to 5.4 degrees Fahrenheit (1-3 degrees Celsius) warmer than the
surrounding area.

NEW ORLEANS, LOS ANGELES

According to new research from science journalism organization Climate Central, New
Orleans has the greatest heat island of 159 American cities, worse than even larger metropolises,
because of a mix of dark and impermeable surfaces. According to the study, the city is often 9
degrees hotter than the nearby countryside. The heat index in some parts of the city can reach 16
degrees.

HOUSTON, TEXAS

According to LBNL staff, Houston's urban heat island typically hovers around 3°F
(1.7°C), with peaks of up to 6°F (3.3°C). Houston experiences a subtropical, humid climate.

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY

Due to several variables like building height, the presence of blacktop, and the absence of
trees, Newark, a city of 310,000 people, has the second-worst heat island among 159 U.S. cities
as evaluated by Climate Central, a nonprofit research organization based in Princeton.
 CASE STUDY

BAHAY KUBO

A type of stilt house built by the native Filipinos, the Bahay Kubo, often referred to as the
nipa hut, has become a national symbol of the Philippines. Following the pre-colonial era, many
additional traditional Filipino homes and buildings adopted Bahay Kubo's design ideas. The
"Bahay Na Bato" appears next, displaying elements from many different architectural styles,
including Spanish and Chinese.

WHAT MAKES IT A GENUINE TROPICAL HOUSE?

The Bahay Kubo is an example of a tropical design since it has large windows in key
spots for natural airflow. Large windows, ventanillas or louvers, and a hot air exhaust pipe at the
peak of the ceiling are a few other examples of fenestrations that permit wind to move through
the house. Most Bahay Kubos are made of 80–90% bamboo. The roof and ceiling are covered in
leaves. Concrete can also be used; however, it is only advised for the house's foundations and to
prevent insects from eating into the house's foundations.

WHAT MAKES IT COOL AND COMFORTABLE?

Wide windows are one of a bahay kubo's most significant features. They provide clear
sunlight and clean air. If the windows are positioned correctly to allow for air circulation, the air
in a structure will continually circulate, providing the occupants with a great level of comfort.
When the site permits, the house should be properly oriented to open up to the wind directions
(Amihan and Habagat). When this is done, light is still welcomed yet heat is reflected away from
the dwelling.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF A BAHAY KUBO:

Advantages:

 A tall roof makes room above the living area for warm air to rise through.
 A cooling influence that comes from nature, even in the hottest heat
 Cheap
 Eco-friendly
Disadvantages:

 Easily destroyed
 Not stable and safe for a home
 It’s immune to fire

HOW TO IMPROVE IT

1. The durability of materials that are stronger or last longer than the typical materials we
use is one of many factors the designer must take into account in order to improve the
Bahay Kubo.
2. Investigating various window kinds to make the Bahay Kubo safer for its occupants is
another option to make improvements to it. There are many different types of windows
available, therefore it would be fantastic if we included them in the design.
3. Although awning-style windows are typically seen in Bahay Kubos, modern applications
allow for their replacement with casement, sliding, or jalousie windows.