Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Atmosphere, cilt.17, sa.3, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Climate change has intensified the need for adaptation in urban environments, yet its integration into historic urban squares, where recreational activities were heavily concentrated, has remained underexplored. In this context, the study examined the square located between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, which is also defined as an urban recreation area and a focal point of culture-based tourism, during periods of extreme weather conditions and high flows of both local (n = 152), and international tourists (n = 236), evaluating it through different spatial activity typologies. A total of 388 participants were surveyed at 25 survey points within the square, while meteorological parameters were obtained from meteorological stations. The findings showed that the lowest level of heat stress across all typologies corresponded to “slight heat stress,” while user responses varied according to spatial characteristics. In movement spaces, the absence of shading elements increased both heat stress and shade demand, whereas in stationary spaces, the presence of trees reduced heat stress but preferences for lower air humidity persisted even under shaded conditions. Sky openness was not identified as a direct determinant of thermal sensation, with meteorological and perceptual factors proving more influential. PET explained approximately 65% of the variation in MTSV among tourists, compared to 55% among local residents. Across typologies, only increases in air temperature negatively affected thermal satisfaction. Moreover, tourists perceived the square more holistically and reported higher satisfaction compared to locals, whose environmental demands were distinct. These results highlighted the importance of spatial activity typologies in shaping thermal experience and underlined the necessity of design strategies that extended beyond heat-mitigation measures. Holistic and flexible approaches that accounted for user profiles, activity types, and intensity of use were found to be essential for improving thermal comfort in historic urban squares with diverse spatial configurations.