The cooling effect of vegetation on urban microclimate is well known, but different urban vegetation strategies at scales relevant for urban design are not well studied. Here, we continue a line of research that started in a previous UROP project aiming to investigate the impact of tree clustering arrangements on the microclimate of the surrounding area.
Department: Construction Management & Engineering
Supervised by: Dr. Stefan T. Smith (School of Built Environment, Uni Reading), Dr. Christos H. Halios (UK Health Security Agency, School of Built Environment, Uni Reading)
Urban trees are one of the key factors that determine energy, mass, and momentum exchanges in urban environments. The cooling effect of vegetation and its positive effect on urban microclimate is well known, but existing studies mainly focus on regional-scale processes, urban forests, and daily mean or maximum temperatures. Despite their importance, these studies are unable to capture the effects of different urban vegetation strategies at the scales that are relevant for urban design. Specifically, it is not clear whether the ways in which urban trees are clustered and arranged will impact on pedestrians’ perception of temperature. This project aims to address this knowledge gap by combining field observations with state-of-the-art modelling. The student will use a database from an experimental campaign in summer 2019 (InfruTreeCity project) which was further developed during a previous UROP project. Seven containerized trees, representing urban trees, were placed in a controlled microenvironment at Hall Farm, University of Reading, in two different arrangements (linear and circular). The student will investigate the impact of such clustering arrangements on above- and below-canopy conditions also using the collected data on radiative energy exchanges, soil moisture conditions, and tree physiological responses. The student will combine the field observations with state-of-the-art modelling based on surface energy balance model or/and mechanistic soil-plant model aiming to investigate the impact of tree clustering arrangements on the microclimate of the surrounding area.
A suggested time plan is given below, assuming a student is working 4.5 days a week for 6 weeks. Under supervision, the student will: • review targeted sections of literature under supervisor’s guidance. (week 1). • Data analysis (weeks 2 and 3). • Model application of the data (weeks 4 and 5). • Writing of report and presenting the results at the research group meeting (week 6). The placement could comprise two periods, with the data analysis carried out in one block, and the model application in the second block. The length of each block depending on the successful candidate’s skills as well as how the project develops. In the first instance this could be considered as an equal split of 3 : 3 weeks.
Essential skills: • The student is expected to have a background in one or more of the following areas: environmental science/ mathematics/ physics/ meteorology/ engineering. • Competence with computers, e.g. in particular, experience in a computer programming language (Python, R or MATLAB). • The student will need to be flexible, reliable and hardworking. • An understanding of the importance of the scientific method. • Willingness to attend the Energy and Environmental Engineering research group meetings. Desirable skills • A genuine interest and enthusiasm for the study of natural based solutions for urban problems. • Previous experience of handling data and knowledge of statistics is desirable. • Previous experience of running models in matlab will be welcome.
• The student will gain hands on experience in several stages of the research, including reviewing the literature, analyzing the data, using a model to further investigate the relevant processes, and presenting and writing up the results. • The supervisor and members of the team will work with the student in meetings several times a week at all stages to provide training and expertise in each area. • General transferable skills to be developed include independent and team-working, computing and analytical skills, report writing and presentations skills.
School of the Built Environment, JJ Thomson Building, Technologies for Sustainable Built Environments. There is also availability for remote working.
9am-5pm. Note that this placement is suitable for part-time work if desired, and the start and end dates are flexible.
Wednesday 01 June 2022 - Friday 30 September 2022
The post will be advertised centrally on the UROP website between 21st February and 4th April 2022. Students should submit their CV and Cover Letter directly to the Project Supervisor (click on supervisor name at the top of the page for email). Successful candidates will be invited for an interview.