Thermally comfortable running routes in Amsterdam

Even though running is one of the most popular sport activity in the Netherlands and represents one of the most rapidly growing leisure activity in cities during the last 35 years, this open-air physical activity and its patterns are reduced due to the microclimatic conditions. Raising air temperature, more frequent and serious heat waves and severe UHI effect result in more heat stress in the urban environment. Heat stress in the urban environment and its negative effects on running patterns were addressed in this thesis project. The city of Amsterdam served as a case study. Issues that impact running such as urban microclimate and sensory experience were explored with research-for-design and research-through-designing. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used. The study developed an integrated design toolbox. Find the full thesis here.