Alternativas de caminhabilidade para cidades brasileiras de clima tropical: estudo de caso no centro comercial de Imperatriz - MA

Abstract

Discussions on pedestrian-oriented urban mobility have gained prominence as an alternative for sustainable city development. Walkability has emerged as a search for solutions that encourage pedestrian movement. However, the design of contemporary cities, shaped by the integration of automobiles, complicates this experience. In tropical climates like that of Brazil, thermal comfort is crucial, as high temperatures can make walking challenging. The central question is: how can architectural solutions for thermal comfort enhance walkability in cities with elevated temperatures? This study aims to propose walkability alternatives, focusing on thermal comfort for Brazilian cities with tropical climates, with a case study in the commercial center of Imperatriz, Maranhão. A literature review was conducted to relate walkability and thermal comfort, followed by an area diagnosis using the iCam 2.0 method, which included a new category for the specific analysis of thermal comfort. The analysis resulted in proposals for improvements to increase the walkability index. These proposals aim to provide a more comfortable and efficient experience for pedestrians in tropical urban environments.