Cold Stress

Cold Stress simulation identifies areas where the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) falls below 9°C, mapping the percentage of time throughout the year when thermal conditions create discomfort and potential health risks during colder periods. This analysis reveals how building massing, orientation, and landscape features create microclimates that either exacerbate or mitigate cold exposure, affecting the usability and comfort of outdoor spaces even in temperate regions during early mornings, evenings, or winter months.

The results of this simulation can be filtered by season or annually, and further refined by selecting the time of day in order to show the insights that are most critical to the project's success.

By understanding cold stress patterns, designers can implement strategic interventions including wind barriers, solar access optimization, and thermal mass placement to extend the comfortable use period of outdoor environments. The simulation guides critical decisions about street canyon proportions, building setbacks, and placement of pedestrian pathways to minimize exposure to harsh conditions while maximizing opportunities for passive warming. These evidence-based design responses not only enhance human comfort but also contribute to energy efficiency by reducing heating demands and creating more resilient outdoor spaces that remain functional across seasons.