Assessment of Outdoor Thermal Comfort in Different Courtyard Types: A Case Study of Konya, Turkey

Courtyards hold significant functional value in both traditional and contemporary architecture. They serve as open-air spaces that facilitate social interaction for users within urban environments. In order for these spaces to be utilized more efficiently by users, the provision of outdoor thermal comfort is of considerable importance. Outdoor thermal comfort refers to a state in which individuals experience a balanced perception of temperature, both physically and psychologically, without feeling any thermal discomfort in open or semi-open environments. In this context, ensuring appropriate thermal comfort conditions in courtyards enables users to actively utilize these spaces across different seasons and times of day, thereby supporting spatial continuity. In this study, outdoor thermal comfort conditions were analyzed across different courtyard types during both summer and winter seasons in the city of Konya, which is characterized by a continental climate. In order to assess thermal comfort levels, Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (PET) values were calculated at representative points selected within each courtyard type. The PET values were obtained using ENVI-met, a microclimate simulation software. As a result of the study, the most suitable courtyard type for users during the summer and winter seasons in central Konya was identified, and various recommendations were provided.