Pedestrian movement and exposure to heat stress in Gothenburg, Sweden

Abstract: An area in Gothenburg, Sweden, representing various planning designs and microclimates, were investigated, in order to estimate how the study area manifests potential pedestrian movement patterns and urban climate conditions in terms of heat stress. The study is based on the Geographical Information System (GIS) where pedestrian movement and heat stress is calculated. Multiple research suggests that the urban climate has an impact on the use of public space but few studies show people's movement patterns in the city and its impact on heat stress. The results of this thesis support the arguments for the use of GIS-analyses in studying pedestrian movement and heat stress in future urban design and planning projects. By designing the physical component of a place, it can influence the site-specific urban climate which can have a direct impact on people’s attendance, perceptions and emotions related to that place.