URBAN MORPHOLOGY AND PASSIVE DESIGN: STRATEGIES TO MITIGATE URBAN HEAT ISLAND AND IMPROVE THERMAL COMFORT IN KUALA LUMPUR
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21837/pm.v23i38.1808Keywords:
Urban Heat Island, Thermal Comfort, Urban Configuration, Urban Microclimate, Green Building DesignAbstract
Rapid urbanization in Kuala Lumpur has intensified the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, compromising thermal comfort and increasing environmental stress. This study examines how urban morphology and passive building design influence microclimatic conditions in three contrasting areas: Kampung Baru (suburban), Bukit Bintang (dense urban), and KLCC Park (green zone). Field measurements of air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and PM2.5 were collected using mobile equipment. Results show that compact urban districts experience elevated temperatures and reduced ventilation, while vegetated and water-adjacent areas provide notable cooling. Findings are evaluated against thermal comfort benchmarks (ASHRAE 55; MS1525), underscoring the need for climate-responsive urban planning. Mitigation strategies include expanding green infrastructure, applying reflective materials, and strengthening passive design features to enhance thermal comfort in high-density tropical cities. The study acknowledges limitations of short-term mobile measurements and recommends future research involving long-term monitoring and simulation modeling to strengthen understanding of UHI dynamics.
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