The role of green spaces in regulating the thermal balance of urban streets: fighting the "heat island" effect

The article analyzes how green spaces help to reduce the effect of a "heat island" in large cities, where temperatures are significantly higher compared to suburbs or rural areas, due to dense buildings, as well as thermal emissions. The authors consider the role of landscaping as a method of combating the effect of the "heat island", since green spaces create shade and cool the air through evaporation, softening temperature contrasts. Examples from Singapore and Milan show how the integration of greenery into urban space and architecture reduces air temperature and improves the microclimate.