Microclimate and Everyday Life: Public Space Use under Mediterranean Winter Conditions

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of weather and microclimatic conditions on patterns of use in an urban square (Kaisariani Square) in Athens. Field observations during Fall/Winter 2023 along with  ENVI-met urban microclimate model simulations were used. The findings highlight the decisive role of air temperature and solar exposure in shaping mobility and social activity. Air temperature values during the study period were generally mild, ranging from approximately 7 °C in the morning to 21.5 °C in the evening. Nonetheless, thermal comfort was strongly influenced by seasonal sunlight: shaded zones retained cooler, more stable conditions, while exposed areas experienced noticeable warming, especially around midday. Observed behavioral patterns reflected these microclimatic variations. Average mobility reached six persons per minute, with weekday activity dominated by transit related to daily routines, while weekend use shifted toward stationary and recreational practices such as sitting, social interaction, and children’s play. Warmer, sunnier conditions fostered more diverse activities, whereas colder days restricted both intensity and variety of use. Children emerged as key users, frequently appropriating the central monument area as an informal play structure. Accessibility, however, represented a significant limitation: no disabled users were recorded, indicating persistent structural barriers. Beyond these empirical findings, the study is aimed at exploring methodologies capable of capturing mobility patterns and user needs throughout the year without requiring resource-intensive and time-consuming surveys, thereby enabling targeted design interventions grounded in actual everyday practices. Overall, the results underscore the sensitivity of public space to microclimatic conditions and emphasize the need for more inclusive and accessible design.