Climate Change Adaptation Through Urban Design: Microclimate Assessment in l’Eixample and La Mina, Barcelona

Abstract

Urban areas face increasing challenges due to climate change, such as rising temperatures and reduced thermal comfort in public spaces. This study examines how urban design affects the microclimate and contributes to climate resilience. The research focuses on two contrasting neighborhoods in Barcelona: l'Antiga Esquerra de l'Eixample, characterized by a dense urban fabric with few public spaces and limited vegetation, and La Mina, characterized by open spaces, abundant vegetation, and dispersed buildings. In both cases, urban and climatic indicators were analyzed using remote sensing data (Landsat 8 and Sentinel 2) to calculate Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). A microclimatic simulation was carried out using the ENVI-met software to evaluate parameters such as albedo, soil permeability, and vegetation type. The results show that La Mina performs better climatically due to its lower density, greater vegetation cover, and more permeable surfaces, resulting in lower temperatures and better thermal comfort. These findings highlight the importance of urban morphology, vegetation, and permeability in shaping microclimates, and underline the potential of urban design as a tool to enhance climate resilience. The conclusions of this study provide a basis for future urban design initiatives aimed at creating more sustainable and resilient cities.