City weathers: meteorology and urban design 1950-2010

Manchester (UK) 
Conference on Climate Science and Urban Design
The topic of this ESRC-sponsored workshop is the application of climatological and meteorological knowledge in city planning. Buildings, roads and landscape affect urban temperature, wind, rain and air quality, which in turn affect human comfort, health and security.
The nexus between design and microclimate was historically recognised in oriental feng shue and western traditions of Vitruvianism and sanitarianism. Through the ages decisions on urban layout have taken account of topography, orientation, the weathercock and the wind-rose.
During the late twentieth century, a few cities – mostly German – continued to incorporate meteorological factors into town plans. As the scientific state-of-the-art became more sophisticated, so did its potential contribution to physical planning. Scientists saw urban climatology as an applied science and lobbied for its relevance through policy networks such as World Meteorological Organisation and World Health Organisation. But in most cities the application was confined to the scale of individual buildings, and external environments were designed and modified without regard to climatic consequences.
Since 2000 anthropogenic changes at the global scale have revived interest in the ability of urban areas to shape their own weather outcomes through intelligent design. Urban climatology and biometeorology have made significant advances in measurement and analysis of urban heat island processes. At last urban climatology is pushing at an open door, and there is growing interest in precedents and best practice.
The meeting will take a long view of climatic urbanism, bringing together scientists, historians and practitioners to learn how knowledge of weather has been applied or disregarded in the design and management of urban areas. The ESRC project ‘Climate Science in Urban Design’ is researching historical knowledge networks and contemporary experiences in Stuttgart, Tokyo/Yokohama, New York City and Manchester. Findings from the project will frame contributions from other researchers on the two project themes : - research progress & knowledge transfer in urban climatology 1950-2010 - current uses of urban climatology in city planning and urban design.

Deadline for submission of abstracts: August 31 2010

For more information: http://www.aesop-planning.com/Congress_files/2011-CSUD_cfp.pdf